I appear to have upset both Labour and Tory political hacks by criticising Adur District Council's proposed huge rent rises for Southwick Square traders.

It seems neither the current Tory minority administration nor last year's brief Labour control will take responsibility for council actions during their terms of office. Delegating action to council officers does not mean it is someone else's fault when things go wrong.

It remains the responsibility of the current political administration, certainly not the responsibility of the Liberal Democrats because they were in charge two years ago.

When the last review of shop rents was completed in Southwick Square six years ago, officers had, as now, delegated responsibility to complete the review.

However, the Liberal Democrat administration wanted to ensure the review met the needs of Southwick Square and the wider local community.

Conscious of the then recently-opened Holmbush Centre and other nearby megastores, the council helped local traders by not applying higher rents.

Some will criticise Liberal Democrats for freezing Southwick Square rents six years ago but we took the view that Southwick Square was built to provide the shops the community needs.

This must remain the priority, not just obtaining the highest rent possible.

The council must avoid the square being full of estate agents, charity shops and non-retail outlets but having no butcher, baker or greengrocer.

The current political administration must take responsibility for its actions. Blaming others or running for cover until after the election is just spin.

-Martin King, Roman Road, Southwick