While I agree wholeheartedly with John Parry (December 15) about the poor show of Christmas lights in certain parts of Brighton, I have to set the record straight about the identity of those he suggests are responsible.

Brighton and Hove Council has contributed about half the cost of Christmas lights, as it does every year.

The problem rests with the business community because it has to contribute the other half.

All the main streets in the North Laine area have the most fabulous display of lights that stretch continuously from Bond Street to Trafalgar Street. Traders have donated thousands of pounds to expand the lights this year.

So why are Western Road and North Street, with all their huge multiples, bereft of illumination when the Old Town, with small, independently owned shops, is lit up like a beacon?

Perhaps the independent traders of Brighton like to give a little something back to their customers as a way of saying thank you for their support.

-Andrew Bird, Chair, North Laine Traders Association