7 Days of Headlines with Phil Mills
The cruel sea lived up to its name with the drowning death of a day tripper while he was swimming off Brighton beach.
London student Amit Chhetri, 24, went missing near the West Pier and after several hours of searching by lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter his body was washed ashore. Witnesses were in tears as seafront officers tried to revive him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death prompted one rescuer to say: “The sea may look appealing but it can so easily bring tragedy. We have also seen youngsters suffering serious injuries diving off piers and groynes. Everyone needs to treat the sea with respect.”
Meanwhile, a complaint from a Latest 7 reader that a letter carrying a first class stamp took nine days to arrive at his Brighton home – all the way from Eastbourne – prompted Brighton Kemptown MP, Simon Kirby, to join a postman and experience delivery services first hand. Mr Kirby has spoken out about poor services after numerous complaints from constituents.
Residents have been warned about bogus callers claiming to be offering council tax refunds. Police and council officials said tricksters are trying to con cash out of residents for ‘administration’ expenses. Police, meanwhile, have raised money for good causes by selling stolen goods recovered from crime suspects. They donated £250 to St Andrew’s Residents’ Association in Hastings to fund street play sessions for local children.
Brighton & Hove City Council is looking at how to make improvements around one of the city’s most unwelcoming junctions at Seven Dials. They want to improve road safety and make the area easier to get around. They are asking for suggestions – register your details to www.brighton-hove.gov.uk or call 01273 290487.
In others news, Brighton and Hove Council’s £160,000-a-year chief executive, John Barradell, produced a shock when he announced he was leaving after just three years in the job – he’s off to become chief executive of the City of London Corporation. The news comes as the council announced the setting up of “quiet rooms” for staff to allow them “think time” during their working day.
Free swimming is being made available to all 12-16 year olds in Brighton and Hove pools every weekend, courtesy of the council and the NHS.
And say hello to Treacle who is being trained to alert his owner Dr Moira Harrison, a diabetic and lecturer at the University of Brighton, if her blood-sugar levels are low. Treacle is with Moira 24-7 and accompanies her when teaching – she believes he helps with her lectures.
Finally, we’re left asking – would these police be fit enough to chase villains, or would their shady overhangs leave them standing? Sussex Police chief constable, Martin Richards and his deputy Giles York, took part in a 185-mile run around the police stations of Sussex to raise money for The Chaseley Trust in Eastbourne. One resident of the trust’s home is Sgt Wendy Dowman who remains in a wheelchair after a car accident. Fit or not so fit, the senior officers were committed to the cause. Mr Richards said: “Chaseley has become a home for Wendy and we wanted to do something to assist them with their continuing care for her and other who require nursing.”
