Latest News: Tim Ridgway

“MORE HOMES NEEDED”
To build or not to build will once again be the main debate as councillors have been told to find more space for development.

As part of its City Plan, Brighton and Hove City Council had found enough space for 11,500 homes over the next two decades.

But the government inspector has refused to sign off on it, claiming the local authority could do more to meet a target of up to 20,000.

The Latest understands councillors are being asked to consider a new plan, which will provide a further 1,100 homes on undeveloped greenfield land and also by squeezing more on to Brighton Marina.

It is due to be discussed at a key town hall meeting on 11 July.

TIME FOR A BREAK
Brighton and Hove City Council leader Jason Kitcat is standing down at the next election. Councillor Kitcat, who has represented Regency ward for the Greens since 2007, insisted he wanted a new challenge but was keen to continue in public service in some way. In a statement on his website he said: “As a family we agreed in 2010 that, if reselected for the 2011 council elections, this would be my last term on the council, and so it will be.”

TRAVELLERS’ SITE APPROVED
Plans for a permanent traveller site which have been approved by the South Downs National Park Authority can go ahead. Communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles has decided against “calling in” the plans. The permanent site is next to the recently reopened traveller transit site at Horsdean.

The plans were drawn up by Brighton and Hove City Council and will be funded by a government grant.

SCHOOL CROSSING
Campaigners face another lengthy wait to find out if their plea for a crossing outside a Portslade school is a success.

Hundreds of people signed a petition calling for a crossing patrol near St Peter’s Community Primary School in St Peter’s Road, claiming it was perilous.

But despite raising the issue more than a year ago, campaigners were told last week they will have to wait until October for Brighton and Hove City Council to make a decision.

PUBLIC SECTOR STRIKE
Thousands of public sector workers are set to go on strike as part of national action on 10 July.

Unison, the GMB, Unite and NUT have balloted their members for possible strike action following a one per cent pay offer from the local government employers.

Workers claim after three years of a pay freeze they deserve more to ensure they can cover the cost of rising household bills.

But Geoffrey Theobald, a Conservative councillor in Brighton and Hove, called for the action to be suspended claiming any increase in salary would lead to more job losses.

GREEN DREAM
Thousands of delegates rolled into town for the eco-technology show at the Brighton Centre.

The plan was to show visitors how embracing innovation in technology and low-carbon solutions can save money and boost businesses, cities and communities.

To watch our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.

ROPETACKLE NAME CHANGE
Shoreham locals were far from happy after the Ropetackle sign above the town’s arts centre was removed.

Those running the Basepoint Business Centre made the decision to take down the Ropetackle lettering and replace it with its own name, adding that they are the ones who own the building.

But locals are outraged at the loss of heritage from the area, which has been known as Ropetackle since the 16th century.

To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.

i TO THE FUTURE
Work on the i360 viewing tower on Brighton seafront is set to start this week.

Ahead of proceeding, construction staff from local, national and international companies gathered for a photoshoot on the beach. The £46 million attraction will open in 2016.

A-PEEL-ING OFFER
And finally – an appeal! Brighton’s very own TV station, Latest TV, is looking for volunteers to be audience members where they can get involved in cooking tasty food from scratch.

Filming for Cook It! will take place on Saturday 5 July from 10am in central Brighton.

For more details, call 01273 818150.