Brighton and Hove City Council has invited developers to make proposals for the Black Rock site on the seafront.

Originally, the site was a public swimming pool, part of the Regency legacy for children and local residents.

An exhibition has been held to display the proposals for the site - a very lacklustre event with no presentation or vision from the council.

Instead we got three displays: A high-rise hotel with shops; a skating rink with a tall office block and shops; and a low-rise spa hotel.

Cynicism abounded among the exhibitors and the public that it was already a done deal with the council backing the skating rink.

The questionnaire asked only which of the options was preferred. The fact that none might be appropriate was not even considered.

Why does the council want to build shops and other buildings blocking the seafront? Will it publish the results of its limited questionnaire? Does it intend to sell the present site of the old skating rink if a new one is built? What mandate does the council have to sell off a public site and make it into a fee-paying private business?

Surely the council should have some vision and respect for the seafront and try to enhance its best asset?

-Steve and Trish Harwood, Lewes Crescent, Brighton