Many Hove residents have felt let down since we merged with Brighton in 1997 (The Argus, September 13).

Many shops and services have been lost to Brighton, causing much inconvenience, especially to the elderly.

We now pay higher council tax than a few years ago.

When the merger was first talked about, Hove wanted to be an equal partner. This, sadly, does not appear to be the case.

Hove residents are becoming concerned over the loss of services.

There have been some advantages, though. The new Tesco store in Church Road has seen the old gas cylinders, an eyesore for many years, taken away and the area improved.

Improvements have also been made to the Hove Lagoon area, money spent on school buildings and the George Street shopping area made more user-friendly.

I would like to see Hove have a bigger say and our ideas listened to by politicians.

-Steve Fuller, Hove