The attempt to salvage the situation through the “extravagant” (Ms Neiman’s word) penthouse development can in no way be compared to the new library and the regeneration of the city centre, Brunswick Town does not need regeneration, it needs sympathetic preservation.

And anyone who can add two and two can see that this crass development would merely have postponed the inevitable.

Why then at this time of economic hardship is there such a decisive and bitter twist on those people that are actually trying to salvage a part of Brighton’s unique and welcoming nature? It seems that in order to have an article published there must always be a twist, a blame factor in every story to perceive someone as the bad guy and the rest as the innocent party. This building has provided a lifetime of opportunity to young and old and has offered salvation through arts to many that may have actually turned to much darker things.

Everyone has to earn a living, everyone has to provide for themselves and their family and everyone strives to make something from their life. I have witnessed for the last 7 years the undeniable strength of my mother and father to provide for their family, to support their children and to make a business that has given so much to so many people. My father, Stephen Neiman is a role model in all senses of the word. I have never met someone that has put so much time and effort into his work to benefit others. Mrs Caroline Neiman, my mother has equally devoted her life to the arts and strives to encourage music of all types into people’s lives. YES the figures from the charity commission are correct, YES those funds were paid and YES they may to some seem extravagant in times of financial hardship, but I would like to ask whether you actually know how much time and effort Caroline and Stephen have actually put into this building? I ask, do you really know what that money is for ? It isn’t solely for Caroline who, in the line of work that she is in, should actually be earning well over £40,000, this money is split wages for both Caroline and Stephen whom on calculation would actually be earning £16,000 annually. £16,000 a year is the minimum in this day and age and barely covers the costs of living, let alone providing for a family. Whilst these figures need not be answered, they are published, they are transparent and they are accountable.

I challenge anyone who thinks that they could deal with the situation better than Caroline and Stephen, in fact I encourage those that have suggestions to make them and start to play an active role in saving The Old Market, because before too long this building, that is part of all of us will be lost, and derelict as the West Pier and many other historic building of Brighton are, and will be replaced with a donut on a stick that will obstruct the natural beauty of the town we all live in.

Maybe the plans for Penthouse Apartments are extravagant and are a different alternative, but can the new Library and the developments in the South Lanes be seen as different? We are living in a time where developments need to be made, and changes to need to happen. Why then can’t these changes take place, not just in our view but in our minds? Rather than slating those that are asking for help, why not offer a hand or suggestion in this time of need?

Rachel Neiman
Daughter and Supporter of The Old Market and ALL its Staff.