Tim Ridgway’s Latest News

This week’s headlines from across the city

ALL OUT FOR STRIKE
Thousands of public sector workers took to the streets as part of a national day of strike action.

Teachers, refuse collectors, nurses, firefighters and university lecturers came together in protest against a planned 1% pay rise.

Schools closed, town halls shut and union representatives claimed the city had been brought to a standstill.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.

CHILDREN CENTRE CHARGE
Parents are set to be charged for using some activities at children centres across Brighton and Hove.

As Brighton and Hove City Council faces deepening reductions to its budget, the local authority has opened a consultation on the option of charging £3 for a 90-minute session.

Without charging, council chiefs claim that some of the services would have to stop. The online consultation is now open and will end on 12 September. Any decision will be made by the council’s Children and Young People’s Committee in October.

BOOZE BAN
Booze is big business in Brighton and Hove, contributing more than £300 million a year to the local economy.

But, after a study into the impact alcohol has on the city, one of the recommendations is “a measurable reduction in large events that are currently sponsored by alcohol”.

City leaders say this will help tackle antisocial behaviour and drive people towards soft drink alternatives.
But some businesses are wary, claiming it could put some high-profile events at risk of being under-funded.

TOAST OF THE TOWN
The brightest and best businesses in Brighton and Hove were the toast of the town after a glitzy awards bash.

The Brighton and Hove Business Awards saw firms from all walks of life celebrated at the event in Horatio’s, at the end of the Palace Pier.

To watch our report of the black ties bonanza, visit www.thelatest.tv.

OPEN-ED MARKET
After years in the planning, Brighton’s Open Market has opened at last.

With 45 new stalls, 12 studio workshops and 87 homes, there is plenty to offer people as they pass through the area off London Road.

After sampling a nice bit of nosh there last week, I urge you to check it out!

LOWER CHAMBER
“Urine trouble”: that’s the message from this peed-off punter who is so fed up with politicians he’s launched a range of chamber pots, for people to show public servants what they really think of them.

Tony Blair, Baroness Thatcher, Robert Mugabe, Jason Kitcat… no elected representative is spared from the potential humiliation of people doing their business on an image of their face.

Brighton businessman Adam Campbell, who came up with the idea, claims his novel range allows people to “exact sweet revenge from above” on those who have “failed to stand up for the people they represent”.
To find out more, visit the website, www.gzunder.com.

UNIVERSITY FOR KIDS
More than 40 youngsters are celebrating after becoming the first to graduate from Brighton and Hove’s children’s university.

Run by City College Brighton and Hove and the University of Brighton, it is aimed at recognising the work that 7-14 year olds do outside the classroom.

Those who graduated contributed an amazing 330 hours of additional learning, from sports clubs to volunteering.

PRIDE CHARGE
The organisers of Brighton Pride have introduced ticketing for this year’s Pride Street Party on St James’ Street.
It is hoped the £5 charge for a wristband will mean a smaller, more manageable and safer gathering.

But as the big celebration comes closer, people are unclear if everyone will obey the instructions.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.

GETTING SHIRTY
Orange or red and black? Orange or red and black?! Albion fans face a difficult choice as to which away shirt they buy.
To help out Seagulls supporters, we asked star striker Craig Mackail-Smith which one he preferred. To find out the answer, check out our video on www.thelatest.tv.