Councillor Paul Elgood's comments regarding the professional fee paid to Nick Ross of Crimewatch to compere the launch of the Brighton and Hove Anti-Victimisation Initiative (AVI) are petty, sniping and disrespectful to the hard work that has gone into setting up such an important initiative.

As a politician and someone who works in public relations, we might have hoped for better from Mr Elgood.

The AVI is not a "rubber chicken" initiative. It is a scheme to stop hate crime in our community.

The AVI in Brighton and Hove is the first scheme of its kind in this country. It tackles sensitive issues of social injustice that are of national importance.

Hence the AVI has attracted Home Office funding of £1.2 million over two years and expectations and optimism are high. The existence of the AVI brings great credit to the new city of Brighton and Hove.

I was among the many and varied members of the community at Hove Town Hall to celebrate the launch of the scheme (was Mr Elgood, I wonder?).

Civic events are not usually my scene but I can honestly say I was both inspired and uplifted (not to mention entertained) by what our city, its communities, volunteers and the police have achieved.

As compere of the evening, Mr Ross showed professionalism, sensitivity, good humour and a real understanding of the issues surrounding hate crime.

In direct contrast, Coun Elgood's comments are a self-serving, cheap shot to gain publicity for his own career.

-Ms Kahn Priestley, Middle Road, Brighton