So, the Labour Party conference brought £10 million to the city did it? To where did this money go? Hotels and a few favoured restaurants.

I would bet that for the rest of business in Brighton, the gathering last week was a negative financial experience.

In our case, takings were down 72 per cent on the same week last year. Much the same story is repeated throughout this area.

So, if The Lanes experienced such a downturn, imagine this replicated throughout Brighton and Hove. The loss will far outweigh the alleged £10 million which came in with delegates.

The simple fact is that areas such as ours can no longer host a conference of the governing party because of the massive security requirements needed in this day and age.

There are at least three venues which could be used and protected more cheaply and safely - Wembley Arena, London Arena in the Docklands and the NEC in Birmingham.

Yes, the city got masses of promotional publicity in the media during last week's conference but that's a transient thing.

Business is the lifeblood of this city and must be assisted, not hindered, in our job of providing Brighton and Hove with a vibrant shopping and leisure experience.

Our otherwise excellent tourism and conference office should reconsider the policy of encouraging the party of government to come here.

-John Hyde, Mariposa Continental Ceramics, Brighton