In a speech to the Brighton and Hove City Forum, Tony Mernagh, executive director of Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, gave an informative and accurate portrayal of what Brighton and Hove faces today.

There have been many letters in The Argus against developments such as those proposed for the King Alfred and the marina.

However, if the silent majority heard what Tony Mernagh had to say, I believe they would favour such proposals.

During the Eighties, the town stood still. It was moribund, with many shabby quarters and a big hole in the centre. There was a mood of "say no" to almost every new idea, irrespective of merit.

Thirty years of such objecting is nothing to be proud of. Look at the Brighton Station site, Black Rock, the West Pier and the King Alfred.

There is a role for conservation and development. I would fight tooth and nail to stop destruction of an historic building but my plea to the objectors is they look at the vibrancy of the Jubilee area and the development between the piers.

We owe it to the next generation to pass on to them the prosperity and zest of a glowing city. Conserve our history, please, but do not place our city in aspic.

-Audrey Simpson, Brighton