I am intrigued to see the claim by NCP that the latest price increase is "in line with inflation". Sorry, but a 10p rise on 60p is a 16.6 per cent increase and, while not being an expert, I don't think inflation has quite reached that level yet.

As to being necessary because of "increased charges for the utilities" what utilities? Perhaps it's the cost of the chap sometimes standing by the barrier in Church Street handing you your ticket on entry?

I sympathise entirely with the small traders who have protested at these further increases.

Brighton was once a good regional shopping centre but its core is now very average.

Don't tell Brighton and Hove City Council but there are plenty of people outside the city who would actually consider Crawley a far better shopping centre, at least for mainstream shops.

Why? Because although the shops are much the same, it is easier to get in to, it is a lot cleaner, there aren't usually massive queues for the car parks and the parking charges are reasonable.

And the same would apply to several other towns in the area. If Brighton wants to regain its status as a good regional centre, it needs to encourage shoppers from outside the conurbation, accept that driving in by car is often a necessity when shopping and not adopt a policy of "come if you really must, but only on our terms".

In the meantime, we have a choice and more and more will make the choice to go elsewhere.

-Tony Lank, Hurstpierpoint