I am alarmed at the proposal to demolish the Granada cinema - latterly known as Gala Bingo - in Portland Road, Hove, and build housing on the site.

The area is already too congested with traffic and parking is very difficult. There are many elderly people locally and they need direct access to their property when shopping and going about their daily tasks.

We often have to park some distance away from our homes - isn't it time residents' parking was introduced? - and are inconvenienced by this lack of concern for local residents.

This part of the world seems bent on letting its finest landmarks disintegrate.

In its fine Art Deco colours, the Granada cinema stands out as an architectural gem.

It was opened by the lovely Anna Neagle in about 1930 and relaunched by the much-missed actress Diana Dors in 1977.

There is also a link to the Second World War - the front tower of the former Granada cinema once housed an anti-aircraft gun.

A gentleman who lived nearby told me the two soldiers who manned the gun were billeted in his house for part of the war.

They were Native Canadians (then called Indians) and became firm friends of the family.

With the VE Anniversary due soon, it is sad to see this once-lovely building in such a sorry state when it could be used for the good of the local community.

-Joy Linford, Hove