How refreshing to read such a balanced and realistic report on the East Brighton New Deal for Communities (Argus, May 12).

It is easy to write sensational stories about the bad things that happen in Moulescoomb and Whitehawk but it takes journalistic talent to uncover the true story of optimism and hope in these much-maligned areas of our city.

I was dispirited to read the Conservative Party is taking a short-term view on New Deal.

The Tories are pledging to do away with it to pay for fuel price-cuts. Let's hope Argus readers are far-sighted enough to work out that New Deal will eventually reduce the need for benefit payments and the demands on our local health services, making all of us better off in the long term.

-Jane Hawkins, Princes Terrace, Brighton