Regarding the objections to putting more housing into Portland Road on the site of the old Gala Bingo building (The Argus, April 14), the building of a complex for the elderly and disabled, similar to Marlborough House in Warrior Square, St Leonards-on-Sea, would answer a number of these objections and meet a real need.

There is nothing as comprehensive anywhere in Brighton or Hove.

There is no need for a big "anchoring" establishment in Portland Road. These are often a mixed blessing and often cause a decline in the business of small traders. There are three mini-markets almost opposite the proposed site, as well as a several smaller shops which offer a varied choice to local people.

Very few residents of Marlborough House are car owners and the proposed residents of a similar complex would either be too poor or too ill and disabled to drive one.

The complex could house a doctor's surgery and pharmacy on the ground floor, as it does for the residents of Marlborough House.

Some sort of community drop-in centre could also be included.

With the advent of TV, the days of cinemas are numbered, apart from one or two which show cult films. These largely appeal to younger people anyway, who would be able to get to them, especially if they were located in Brighton.

As someone who lived in this area and was minister of a church in Stoneham Road, I know some of the people living in Marmion Road who have had problems with people parking and car boot sales.

I am sure they would favour something which would provide housing for the most needy and entail a reduction in parking.

Furthermore, the elderly and infirm do not create a lot of noise nor are they guilty of selfish rowdyism.

Let those responsible for town planning and development visit Marlborough House in St Leonards and see for themselves what a wonderful place it is.

-Rev John Webster, Hove