News: Tim Ridgway

This week’s headlines from across the city

PARKING PREMIUM
Parking has been at a premium in Brighton and Hove for years.
And now it’s been revealed that Brighton and Hove City Council netted a whopping £18 million in parking profits last year.

Just days later and the city was named as one of the least car dependant in the UK. So are the two linked? Do we really need to fine the motorist to get them off the road?
Check out our report at www.thelatest.tv

HOME OUR HENS
In October we launched a campaign to Home Our Hens.
That was after Hove animal rights campaigner Sue Baumgardt revealed she was hoping to save more than 5,000 hens from the slaughter house.

The good news is … it was a resounding success, with more than 5,500 animals now enjoying life elsewhere. Thanks to all who supported us in this campaign.

SHUTTING UP SHOP
One of Brighton’s landmark shops has closed after 30 years.

Rick Irvine opened Rin-Tin-Tin in North Road as an outlet for his interest in quirky collectables. But after three decades in the trade, Rick has decided to shut up shop for good – blaming changes in people’s shopping habits and his age for the decision.

The high street has certainly lost one of its characters.

DRINK TO THAT
Now, many of you will have had enough of the dreaded ‘d’ word after all the festive celebration.

But for those of you still game for a tipple, there’s good news – as Brighton has now got its own gin.

The spirit has been concocted by a host of city residents, all with plenty of experience of drink.
And the feedback so far is that it is a runaway success.

FUTURE’S BRIGHT
For more than a century it has been a focal point in the community. But decades of history was nearly assigned to the scrap heap as a Brighton church was on the verge of closing.

However, a community rallied and St Mary’s in Kemptown is now thriving. Attention has now switched to funding bids to regenerate the church, with hopes high that its bid will be successful in the coming months.

LIFE’S A BEACH
The Shoreham Beach boardwalk has had far from an easy existence. It opened in 2011 despite a legal dispute meaning there was a 50 metre gap in the centre. But the hole was filled – and now the recycled walkway is being extended in a £120,000 scheme.

With work expected to start soon, it will mean thousands more people will get to enjoy this little corner of tranquillity.

NEW YEAR’S HONOURS
The brightest and best of Sussex residents have been singled out in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Among the recipients were former Sussex Stationers boss Michael Chowen, for his charitable work in the city and beyond.

Also honoured was Glynn Jones, the former chief executive of Brighton and Hove CIty Council, who was awarded an OBE for services to the community. And Virginia Barnacle was made a BEM for her services to Brighton Sailing Club and the wider community.

TO THE RESCUE
Thoughts go out to the volunteers at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service, who were kept on their toes over the festive period.

Among the call outs included treating an injured fox in Eastbourne at 2am on Christmas Day. Bats, voles and hedgehogs were also the focus of attention by the teams over the busy period.

Founder Trevor Weekes said: “This year has not been busier, but the types of calls have been more severe and time consuming than normal.”

He urged people to support by calling 01825 873003 or visiting www.wildlifeambulance.org.

FUNDING BOOST
Good news for The Martlets, in Wayfield Avenue, Hove. They have been awarded £53,813 by the Cabinet Office to help provide compassionate support to patients and their families.

The funding will go towards the Martlets Home Visitors Service which helps people through the process of leaving a hospice to return home – often a time of worry and distress.

GET INVOLVED
And finally, a big thanks to all of you who have supported Latest TV and the wider Latest family in 2014.

Remember, if you have a story that you want covered on your local TV channel then get in touch.

Email news@thelatest.tv or call the Latest office on 01273 818150 … and ask for yours truly.