Following the healthy response to Angela Rowland's ill-judged opinions (Letters, October 12), it is also worth remembering the hysteria which surrounded the Albion's "audacious" return to the city it represents after two seasons playing at Gillingham.

For some, rape, pillage, fire and pestilence were near Saturday afternoon certainties as the Sussex Constabulary stood powerless to prevent small children being eaten alive by the blue and white hoards which would descend on the city every other weekend.

I have missed a few editions of The Argus since 1999 but will stand corrected if anyone can report such fans' behaviour.

Interestingly, I was recently discussing the planning application in a Falmer shop when a woman overheard me.

She is a Withdean resident and had strongly opposed the Albion's return for Nimby reasons.

However, she had completely changed her opinion based on her actual experience to date. There had been very little disruption and none of her fears had been realised.

She also admitted she was guilty of harbouring outdated prejudices about football's culture which simply weren't true and that the club had been nothing but a credit to the city since returning. Now isn't that a refreshing change from Ms Rowland's negativity?

-Steve Hammans, Buckinghamshire