The newly published Rough Guide to England made only a brief mention of Hastings and it seemed whichever writer was handed the task of reviewing the town could not make their minds up over.

As well as the comment about being "part tacky, part pretty" the journalist also saw fit to mention the town's "oddly neglected Regency architecture".

Not a glowing reference perhaps but Hastings actually came out considerably better than come other Sussex towns. Brighton, so often considered the top destination on the South Coast, was slammed as being an ugly town packed full of wealthy Londoners.

Last week Hastings was ranked the South East destination day-trippers most wanted to visit and council spokesman Kevin Boorman, who is charged with selling the town to tourists, was critical of the Rough Guide review.

He said: "I guess we could call the Rough Guide's description of Hastings as 'part rubbish, part correct.' "We most certainly do appreciate our architecture, for example, and often promote the fantastic variety we have, from the mediaeval Old Town to the splendour of Burtons St Leonards.

"And we know that visitors love the unique cocktail of attractions we have here, as the recent survey putting us top of the league of 'must see' resorts, and the phenomenally successful May Day Holiday, proves."

Do you think the Rough Guide was fair on Hastings? Perhaps you think it was too nice? Leave your comments.