Tim Ridgway’s Latest News
20MPH ROLL OUT
The next phase of 20mph limits in Brighton and Hove will come into force in a fortnight’s time.
Politicians on Brighton and Hove City Council approved extending the restrictions into west Hove, Patcham, Hollingbury, Moulsecoomb and Bevendean in March.
With blackened-out signs popping up across the city, the local authority has confirmed the limits will come into force on Monday 16 June.
However, like the existing limits in the city centre, council leaders have warned the restrictions will be largely self-enforced.
TAXING TIMES
A “supermarket tax” could be slapped on larger retailers under radical plans to help independent traders in Brighton and Hove.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s Green administration has joined a growing number of English town halls calling for powers which would allow them to force large retailers to pay an extra levy.
“Radical plans to help independent traders”
City leaders claim the move – which is yet to be introduced anywhere in England – is a way of rebalancing the local economy and halting the decline of the high street.
But critics, who include chancellor George Osborne, claimed the introduction of an 8.5% levy on larger outlets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda, was unfair.
The proposal will be discussed at a town hall meeting later this month.
TREE-MENDOUS PLANS
A historic cherry tree will have to be felled as a “quintessential” English tearoom at Hove Museum is expanded.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee approved proposal to construct a patio at the side of the Victorian villa in New Church Road.
Despite some local opposition, it was agreed the proposal was needed to make the free museum more financially-viable.
With work set to get underway, contractors have told ward councillor Graham Cox the cherry tree nearby is diseased – but will be replaced by a mature tree.
GOING LOCAL
A health trust has reduced its food bill by up to a third with help from the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership.
As well as saving public money, the new policy of local sourcing has given a boost to food producers and suppliers in and around the area.
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has introduced the new food sourcing policy across 14 of its hospitals. Now that really is food for thought.
I TO THE FUTURE
Columns supporting the West Pier have begun to be removed from Brighton beach.
The West Pier Trust is carrying out the work in ahead of construction work on the i360 beginning in the coming months.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.
FESTIVAL AWARDS
After more than 650 events at nearly 200 venues spread over four weeks, the Brighton Festival and Fringe is over for another year.
To celebrate the great and the good from this year’s event, The Latest held an awards evening at the Latest Music Bar.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.
WINNING PITCH
Year 10 business studies students at Varndean School are celebrating after scoring a winning pitch at The Amex.
The 2014 American Express Schools’ Master Class programme gave students from three local schools the opportunity to develop core business skills through hands-on practical tasks.
After seeing how Brighton and Hove Albion ran things off the pitch, the students put together their own ideas and presented them to judges.
After winning, the Varndean students have been invited to watch a Seagulls’ game from the company’s executive box next season.
DEAD LUCKY
I was dead lucky (geddit?) to be invited to the launch of Sussex author Peter James’ latest book launch at The Engineerium in Hove last week.
The new tome marks ten years since the first Detective Roy Grace novel.
To see what Peter had to say, visit www.thelatest.tv
