We also saw Worthing as a town that had a certain amount of potential, and hoped that some of the creative energy that has driven its big sister Brighton over the years might be imported.

Ever since living here, we have become increasingly convinced that Worthing is, and will remain, a shabby seaside-town, blighted by a lack of imagination on the part of the powers-that-be, poor planning decisions, a general lack of creative energy, and a general air of despondency created by the undynamic and occasionally shambolic actions of the council, who seem to want to create a dull haven for the over-70s.

I remember going into town on a beautiful hot summer's day last year, and in Montague Place, where there should have been a thriving cafe scene of the type seen up and down the country (and notably 12 miles to the east) nowadays.

Instead, we saw an 18- year-old sales boy shouting gibberish through a cheap PA system and giving out flyers (aka future litter) selling mobile 'phones to bored, disaffected kids to film their latest happy-slapping excursions on.

This was set against a backdrop of the vast blank, grey wall opposite Subs (one of the most blatant potential sites for public art that I have ever seen), parked cars, litter and overflowing, unemptied bins, where there should have been tables and chairs and people enjoying the sun.

A bleak spectacle, but one that seems to repeat itself regularly, in various forms in this town we call home.

Your correspondent says he has lived in the town for 49 years, and is proud of it. You represent the past.

We, however, have children, and if we are to stay, represent the future of this place. So whilst you might be satisfied with the way things are, your apathy and complacency is damning this town to remain a boring, uninspiring place, where no-one wants to invest, fit only for the conservative elderly, and bored destructive kids, for eternity.

Mark Mullins
King Street
Worthing