I, for one, am glad asylum seekers are not going to be placed in the Grand Ocean Hotel but not for the reasons that immediately spring to mind.

I don't think they would be safe there. Quite simply, there appears to be too much xenophobia and hatred in Saltdean and people such as asylum-seekers who need help and support certainly would not get it from some of the local residents.

I am not painting all Saltdean residents with the same brush - there are good, decent people in this world, like Raphael Salkie, who bravely stood up for the asylum seekers and who, in turn, was abused and mocked for his stand against prejudice.

All I can say is the next person who dares to say to me that the "UK has a tolerant and open-minded attitude towards refugees" will get a flea in their ear. Who are they trying to kid?

I like a good fairytale just as much as the next person but there's a limit to what even I will believe in.

-Sacha, Brighton