I contend Brighton and Hove is not the place to be or, indeed, the liberal, caring city it purports to be when compared to such places as Lewes or Haywards Heath.

I support several charities raising funds through street and store collections in the area and have found amounts raised in towns such as the above two exceed Brighton and Hove by up to threefold.

I accept these places are inhabited by more affluent people but, taking into consideration the city's much larger population, it should balance out more uniformly.

I come to the conclusion, despite the city's reputation, it is rather a superficial and sad place to be.

-M Martindale, Swanborough Drive, Brighton