Adam Trimingham's feature about The Level (The Argus Weekend, July 13) was a welcome reminder of how important the park is to people in Brighton.

To Adam's memories can be added the use of the site by the military during the Second World War, with the northern end being covered by Nissen huts and surrounded by fencing.

Older residents will tell of the skipping ritual that used to take place there at Easter, with a huge rope being turned by adults as children hopped in and out. Possibly this was a welcoming-of-spring celebration.

In November, competitive building of huge bonfires took place as local people came together to remember, remember the fifth of November.

Playing marbles was also a noted pastime and when visitors asked why it was called The Level, one can imagine a surprised local would explain that playing the game on the side of hill was a waste of time and it was the only flat area around.

In the Fifties, there were regular visits from Bertram Mills' Circus.

For many local people, it is their route from one side of the Brighton vale to the other and the two crossing pathways have heavy pedestrian traffic at all times of day.

The Level also provides a welcome city-centre green lung and residents can be seen making use of the simple pleasures of a piece of open, grassed land on which to relax, meet friends or kick a ball.

Brighton and Hove City Council must make every effort to protect and care for this valuable asset. Modern and safe play equipment and improved skateboard facilities, much-improved toilets and appropriate supervision should all be on the agenda for consideration.

After all, village greens have been important gathering places for centuries. We should cherish ours.

-Edward Start, Hollingbury Road, Brighton