The Labour Community Action Team in Hangleton and Knoll was somewhat perplexed by Pat Weller's suggestion (Letters, April 9) that Labour candidates are "stealing their thunder".

We acknowledge the area has benefited from substantial investment as a result of the successful bid for Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding by the Labour-controlled Hove Borough Council.

The SRB bid for funding to regenerate the Hangleton and Knoll area was a top priority for the Labour administration at the time after the Tories failed to submit an application.

Mr Weller will be aware government funding in the form of SRB has to be matched by funding from public and private-sector sources.

The environmental improvements carried out in Hangleton and Knoll received significant contributions from Labour-controlled Brighton and Hove City Council.

For example, of the £126,000 spent on the improvements to Hangleton Park, £82,000 was contributed by the council and £42,000 by SRB.

Similarly, the Greening Hangleton and Knoll SRB project (which included shrubs and flowers, tree planting and traffic-calming measures) benefited from £267,000 of funding from the council.

The refurbishment of Hangleton Community Centre also received a cash injection from the council of £112,000 to help finance the new extension and facilities.

Of course, we appreciate the hard work of all community groups and residents in Hangleton and Knoll who have contributed to the regeneration of the area and the improvement in the quality of life of residents.

If elected, we will continue to work in close partnership with community groups and residents in Hangleton and Knoll.

We will also ensure we address local priorities identified through public consultation and deliver on them.

As far as our name goes, we have used the title of Labour Community Action Team for many years and in no way wish to be confused with the newly constituted Community Action group to which Mr Weller refers.

Indeed, we look forward to working with this group in the very near future.

In view of these facts, it is true to say that many of the community projects to which Mr Weller refers have been made possible as a direct result of council initiatives and programmes.

It is therefore appropriate for us to inform our electorate of Labour successes within our community.

-Coun Brian Fitch, Coun Gerry Kielty and James Thompson Labour Community Action Team, Hangleton