The future is often like the past. Unhappy marriages continue to be unhappy and noisy neighbours go on being noisy.

This is why I oppose the restoration of the West Pier.

I look at the track record of its custodians and would-be developers and simply don't believe that the people who have achieved nothing in more than 20 years can become guardians of a sparkling palace on water or a stylish shopping arcade on land.

They have so far given us an ugly Portakabin and car park on the promenade with a scrapyard underneath.

In future, they would give us bingo and burgers (if we're lucky) and broken promises for sure.

In contrast, the owners of Brighton Pier have succeeded - no doubt with much hard work over the years - in creating a structure which is not only fun to be on but which lights up the night sky splendidly enough to rival the Royal Pavilion. It's a real treat to look at.

Let the West Pier go or, if the money can be found, demolish it.

-Trevor Pateman, Hove