I was moved to write after reading comments by the Conservative councillor Brian Oxley (Letters, July 22).

As a former resident of Portland Gate, I know why Councillor Oxley is keen we do not look back.

Let me remind him. I lived in misery and squalor because of the sheer incompetence of the Conservatives who lacked conviction and courage to take on a rogue landlord.

Of course, current issues are of importance but we build a future from the foundations of the past.

That is why we could never allow the Conservatives control of Brighton or Hove town halls again.

It is they who are playing petty party politics in seeking to distract us from local issues to national issues.

The quality of our lives concerns most of us and the priority for us all would be a place to live. But under the Conservatives, those of us in Portland Gate were abandoned.

I thank God there were others who took on the landlord - and look what has replaced the squalor.

The Conservatives in our city remain obsessed with minor issues and, in the absence of any sound policy, grab publicity by criticising anyone who seeks to take on the giants.

-J R Peeler, Wilbury Road, Hove