I was incensed to read (The Argus, January 6) that Brighton Labour councillor Gill Mitchell is rallying city councillors to oppose any new sewage treatment and waste management sites within Brighton and Hove.

The councillor went on to say any plans for new sewage treatment sites should be in Newhaven, Peacehaven or Shoreham and not in Brighton and Hove.

I have never witnessed such blatant Nimbyism by our elected leaders. Is Coun Mitchell suggesting the citizens of Brighton and Hove should chuck all their waste over the fence into their neighbours' garden? Just as long as you cannot see it or smell it in your own back yard?

The "neighbours" in this case are Newhaven, Peacehaven and Shoreham.

Coun Mitchell then goes on with a very good and logical argument that these works should be "away from open countryside and residential properties".

Yes, I agree with that. However, she then says the obvious choice is therefore either Newhaven or Shoreham Harbour.

How can you define the town of Newhaven as being away from residential properties and away from the open countryside?

Newhaven is in the wonderful Ouse valley, surrounded by the Downs and with a fine estuary with its newly managed wetlands environment, to enhance the environment and preserve the natural wildlife and ecosystems.

The Ouse valley, and maybe Newhaven as well, will also be part of the South Downs National Park.

Why should Newhaven be a dumping ground, yet again, for Brighton and Hove?

That is what will happen if the proposed two sewage-treatment sites and waste recycling for Brighton and Hove and the rest of Sussex go ahead in the town.

This will not only be unsightly but will also pollute the air and groundwater and severely damage the environment.

Environmentally and sociologically, Newhaven and its surrounding areas are far too important and valuable to be treated as a wasteland and dumping ground.

Now Brighton and Hove is a city, the big benefit is it has a raised profile and attracts a lot of new money and investment. That is great.

However, being a city should also bring with it an obligation to manage its infrastructure effectively and in a self-contained way, including waste management.

Brighton and Hove's waste should be processed in one of the many brownfield or industrial sites around the city.

So, councillors and MPs of Newhaven, Peacehaven and Shoreham, this is your rallying call. Unite to oppose Brighton and Hove's bullish tactics and keep Brighton and Hove's waste in Brighton and Hove.

-Brian Ablett, Kemp Street, Brighton