Three years ago this month, a £1 million improvement scheme to St James's Street in Brighton was nearing completion.

Many new shops and businesses were attracted to the area in Kemp Town and optimism prevailed.

However, there were chronic problems of street drinking, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Things became so bad that a meeting was held with Lord Bassam, then a Home Office minister, to explain our despair and frustration that no one in authority had the will to deal with the problem.

A flurry of activity occurred. The then Chief Constable was summoned, together with Glynn Jones, the chief executive of the council, local councillors, social service leaders and community representatives to formulate an action plan.

A street drinking ban for the St James's area was fast-tracked through the Home Office and implemented three years and three chief superintendents later.

Following high profile visits by Mo Mowlam, Charles Clarke and others and an award-winning community safety strategy plan, the situation is as bad as ever.

Groups of aggressive street drinkers blight the area. Drugs are dealt openly, creating misery for residents and businesses and undermining attempts at regeneration.

Do we have to wait until there is a fatal incident before our police chief realises that, however complex the issues may be, these people cannot be allowed to rule the streets?

We in St James's Street are in despair and I believe residents and traders around Norfolk Square are in the same predicament.

Common to both areas are the homeless hostels, drop-in centres and rehabilitation facilities. Despite the street drinking ban, police seem to have no interest in enforcing the law.

We who are trying to make a living in the area are desperate. We pay high business rates, yet I cannot operate my business without private security.

Is this acceptable in civilised Brighton and Hove? There is very little time left before the green shoots of regeneration in the area wither and die, together with the spirits, hearts and minds of those of us who have tried so hard.

Please can someone tell me who we can turn to for help?

-David Radtke, Brighton