I am curious to know how Brighton became such a great place without people protesting.

Did the National Park come about because of country land owners' benevolence?

Was traffic calming brought about by the road lobby's concern for the environment?

Are green, open spaces still with us because developers embraced the Earth Mother?

Are we spared a forest of phone masts because mobile phone companies' consciences are weighed heavily upon by the effects of their products on our health?

No, it was because communities protested and used the ballot box that we were saved from these horrors.

Those who proclaim to say that "whingeing" is unnecessary and bad for Brighton and Hove are also secretly relieved there is no giant waste incinerator in their backyard.

Protest isn't just good for the environment, it's a social service as well.

-Nigel Baker, Vale Road, Portslade