The Argus (February 2) reported that Brighton and Hove Council had refused to lease premises in Pavilion Buildings to an adjoining trader (a restaurateur) in favour of use by its own new parking unit.

The council's explanation was that the premises are ideal for such a use and that the unit would pay full market rental (the latter meaning that the council will pay full rental to itself).

It will not have escaped the notice of most Brighton and Hove residents that Pavilion Buildings, right opposite East Street, is to all intents and purposes part of the North Street arterial, the future of which was debated in a two-page spread in the same issue of the Argus.

It is also right opposite the landmark department store whose loss to Brighton has been lamented generally, not least by the council.

The council's intention, therefore, to create dead frontage by using these vacant premises for something as lively and attractive as the HQ for its parking wardens is surprising and, perhaps, something one of the scrutiny boards might care to take an interest in.

I cannot believe (nor will most people, I guess) that the council has no other premises standing empty (or could hire from others) in less prominent positions and cheaper to occupy

-J.E. Bartlett, Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea