Whatever is the correspondent (Letters, August 31) thinking of when he claims the Brighton that Brian Eames described in his poignant letter "What has happened to our lovely city?" never existed?

Nothing in Mr Eames' letter suggested he had any problem with whatever this other writer believes Brighton "represents".

I have lived in the centre of Brighton for more than 27 years and am leaving soon to get away from the dirt, drugs, violence, cynicism, greed and lack of decent public services. I will miss seeing my gay friends walking happily hand in hand, finding myself in a cloud of flying bubbles as I head off for the shops and the North Laine community in which I have raised my son with support and protection from many of my neighbours.

Brighton used to be a wonderful place but is so badly run now it is thoroughly nasty. Only the other night, several local households called the police to sort out

a violent incident. Connected via 999, I was told the police were dealing with so many public disorder offences they could not help, despite reports that a young man was wielding a blade. We are residents here but all the emergency resources are absorbed by the enormous problems caused by the clubs and bars in East Street and the seafront. We seem to be merely secondary annoyances.

Your letter made me cry, Mr Eames, and I for one certainly recognise every word you say.

-Gina Ware, Robert Street, Brighton