So, the West Pier is just about dead. But why? Almost 28 years of neglect from councillors, planners or potential owners?

No. The people of Brighton and Hove are to blame. There is a lazy "don't give a damn" attitude here, which I have never experienced in any other place I have lived.

The streets are full of uncollected rubbish bins, the brilliant local football team are demotivated by lack of positive interest in a decent stadium and - oh, look - the West Pier has just fallen into the sea because nobody gave a damn.

I suspect the disinterested people of Brighton and Hove will be upset for a day or two and then forget about it.

Being "chilled out" is fine. But what if something needs to be done? People in this city need to get off their bums and make an effort to express the need for change.

Join the small number of tiny campaign groups here and shout about it. Get the buildings cleaned up and the streets cleared of rubbish, build a football stadium to help restore some pride in this city and, while you are at it, insist on having some housing built for those who do not own a Mercedes.

I won't be here to see it. I am so fed up with it all, I am moving to a place where they actually care about their environment. Which, as it happens, is anywhere but here.

-James Walshe, Priory Close, Sompting