Simon Icke (Letters, April 2) spouts a lot of tommy rot. Brighton and Hove City Council does not own the West Pier and is by law prevented from making any financial contribution to its restoration.

As for the Albion, this is also a financial institution - kicking a ball about is only a facade.

Whether or not a new stadium is built depends upon whether or not sufficient finance is available.

It must in no way become an additional burden on council taxpayers.

-R J Sharpe, Brighton