I recently visited Brighton and the Sussex coast, where I grew up. I now live in Canada.

When in England, it was interesting to hear the story on Southern Counties Radio about the private purchase of the Eastbourne lighthouse on February 16.

Would you believe that when the relocation of the lighthouse, away from the cliff edge, was completed it was a news item on Canadian TV? That is an indication of how important this lighthouse is to the general public.

As a returning expatriate revisiting after many years overseas, I was dismayed by the change in standards I saw in England. The deal over the lighthouse is one such case.

I am sure the person who purchased this unusual property has made sure the action can be legally defended but the real issue is greed, abuse of a privileged position and a desire to become part of an elite while the rest of us have to get on with life following normal social standards.

Such a landmark as the lighthouse, in such a unique location, should be the property of the public, for example through the National Trust, particularly if the transfer price mentioned, at some £900, was so low.

I noted similar examples during my visit to England, for instance the Saltdean Park bungalow, which should have remained as a public building. It could have had so many uses, such as playschool, golf house, meeting room, cultural centre, museum, etc.

In another instance, I tried to retrace steps from Saltdean over an old bridle path, across Tenant Hill to Saltdean Mount.

This had been a public footpath, despite housing development all around, from as far back as anyone can remember.

However, the residents at the end of Shepham Avenue have restricted public access to the stile gate by installing a high wire fence from their adjacent properties.

For good measure, one of the property owners has also padlocked the stile gate leading to the footpath. (This was done before the foot-and-mouth outbreak).

The public has a right to such resources and should not have to demonstrate or take legal action to keep them or get them returned. I dread to think what wheeling and dealing is going on by our elected politicians and councillors.

I appeal to those who are elected to represent the people to act democratically in the public interest.

-Michael Tilling, Windermere, Canada