I have a suggestion for the traders left without a venue after Brighton and Hove Council closed down the West Pier market. Why don't they join hamburger vendor and local entrepreneur David Van Day, formerly of pop band Dollar on his Air Street site in the centre of town where he has been trading illegally since the beginning of the year?

The planning application for his impromptu market was heard only three weeks ago. It was refused and an enforcement notice agreed against Mr Van Day.

However, due to the possibility of an appeal by him, no action can be taken and he is free to trade for the foreseeable future. The council is powerless to do anything about this.

The difference between the West Pier market and the illegal market in Air Street is the latter is owned by a private developer.

-A.Older, Goldstone Villas, Hove