We are told arts and culture net £184 million for Brighton and Hove every year (The Argus, January 3).

Since our failed bid to become Capital of Culture, the department in question has been in complete disarray, with the director being stripped of her post and lead councillor Ian Duncan resigning after many years' service for reasons never explained to the public.

Everyone is, of course, now worried about the fate of the West Pier but I would like to remind our citizens of two more Grade I-listed buildings on the "at risk" register: Marlborough House in the Steine and Stanmer House in Stanmer Park.

Before Ken Bodfish jumps in and tells everyone Marlborough House is in private hands, having been sold by Brighton and Hove City Council four years ago despite local opposition, I believe the council has a moral duty to not only restore and maintain its own historic buildings but also to ensure when other valuable assets are sold off - always for short-term gain - they are restored by the owners as promised.

Incidentally, how many Brightonians know or care about the interesting history of the remaining Blues and Buffs in the Steine, close to the Pavilion?

Owned by the council and neglected for many years, they are now about to be sold off to a developer. We, who belong to the much-ridiculed conservation societies, know the background of all historic properties and sites in our city.

Without them, there would be nothing to boast of to our visitors, no fascinating stories on guided walks, no history left.

I beg you all to listen to those who have experience in such matters, work with them, bring our wonderful past to life again. We could and should be the finest seaside resort in the country.

-Averil Older, Goldstone Villas, Hove