The closure of the paddling pool on the seafront is yet another example of the way Brighton is being ruined for the people living here.

The pool is a great facility: Children love it because it is great fun and parents appreciate being able to keep an eye on several children at the same time.

There are toilets, a shop and two cafes within sight of the pool and it is possible to use these facilities without moving the whole family.

The introduction of "water features" is more appropriate in swimming pools which older children prefer. A paddling pool is for smaller children and young families. My three-year-old is happier in calm water without splashing and spraying water and he is also safer there. The lifeguard seems to have been withdrawn from the pool, so safety must be considered.

My seven and ten year olds are also happy to play in the paddling pool (but without the three-year old the ten-year old would prefer a swimming pool).

Such tempting water features will not go unnoticed by the vandals either, so I foresee the pool will become a target for wrecking by the drunken clubgoers Brighton and Hove Council seems to encourage and will consequently be closed for most of the summer because of this.

Just look at the present paddling pool at night and you will see how ineffective fencing is at keeping out people who wish to get in.

Where is there for parents to take their toddlers on the seafront? Simply trying to walk along the seafront is an obstacle course of bar/cafe tables and drinkers and is hardly a relaxing environment for parents or young children.

Extremely loud music from bars generates so much noise pollution one cannot even hear the sea. A new sandpit, as generous as the volley ball court, would be an excellent addition to attract families the seafront. But leaving the paddling pool where it is, refurbished as necessary.

-Mrs V. Haffenden, Stanford Road, Brighton