Jan Price may have walked past Dorset Gardens Peace Park and found it empty on that occasion (The Argus, July 23) but she would be wrong to think it is not used.

Many residents and local workers get great enjoyment from it, not least at lunch time on a fine day. Others enjoy viewing it as they pass by, even if they do not always enter.

As she does not live in the area, Jan may not know that use of the park has been discussed at several meetings of the St James Area Action Group when the predominant view has always been that the park should be left as it is: An unspoilt, tranquil place providing an oasis of calm for the local community and indeed visitors, to escape from the bustle of nearby St James Street.

The area involved is not big enough to accommodate both that essential tranquillity and a children's play area (unlike the larger Queen's Park closer to where Jan lives).

Facilities for children are needed but the renovation of the derelict playground at Peter Pan's would be a better way of achieving that.

The whole of that site is a blot on the seafront and should be reclaimed, with a children's playground containing top-quality equipment as a priority. The remainder could return to being an appropriate, open-air sports facility.

-J Thomas, Charles Street, Brighton