Tim Ridgway: This week’s headlines from across the city
PUB-LIC SUPPORT
Community campaigners have smashed a petition target as they look to save a historic Victorian Brighton pub from being turned into flats. The Rose Hill Tavern in Rose Hill Terrace, off London Road, Brighton, has been used as a place for locals to congregate for more than 140 years.
But, after owner Enterprise Inns revealed it was looking to sell the premises, the community pulled together in an effort to register the historic pub as a community asset.
In about a week, it attracted more than five times the number required to apply to Brighton and Hove City Council for the special status.
“The community pulled together to register the historic pub as a community asset”
If successful, it would be the first pub in the city to be registered as a community asset – meaning any sale would be held up for six months giving locals time to raise enough money to buy the site themselves.
RUBBISH AT RECYCLING
The recycling rate in Brighton and Hove has dropped to 25 per cent – the second fall in consecutive years.
Brighton and Hove City Council revealed the figure as it looks at ways to tackle the issue. If it doesn’t improve, then officials warned they could face fines.
One idea is to introduce an incentive scheme, with increases in recycling rates rewarded with grants to community groups.
It is hoped the new communal recycling bins will also have an impact. The council said: ”If all residents recycled their paper, card, plastic bottles, cans and glass, rates could increase to around 35 per cent.
“An increase of just 5 per cent could also save the council around £293,000 a year.”
APPEAL FROM THE ART
A gallery promoting conservation issues is under threat – with founders looking for £15,000 in online donations to keep open.
ONCA opened in Brighton in November 2012 as part of the city’s London Road regeneration scheme.
The premises, which is the only inner city gallery promoting both art and ecology, presents contemporary exhibitions alongside performance and education. But, with the gallery facing a funding crisis, a campaign was launched on Kickstarter to raise enough money to keep it open for at least the next six months. Whether it reached its target was not known at the time of going to press.
To see our video report with gallery founder Laura Coleman visit www.thelatest.tv.
GREEN LIGHT FOR VOGUE REVAMP?
For years it has been a no go area for anyone on two wheels. But, as part of the wider revamp of the Lewes Road area, Brighton and Hove City Council has drawn up a £650,000 proposal to simplify the notorious Vogue Gyratory junction.
The improvements will also include new northbound bus and cycle lanes.
After only three objections were received, the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee is set to approve the plans today. (Apr 29) Work could start in July…
FRACKERS FREED
Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said jail was “never really on the cards” after she was cleared of charges relating to anti-fracking protests. The Green politician and four others were deemed not guilty of public order offences in Balcombe last summer.
To see our interview with Dr Lucas visit www.thelatest.tv.
FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER
Seagulls tackling Eagles is normally an unmissable game – even when charity is at its core.
The 14th annual robert Eaton memorial match between supporters of Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace will take place on Friday (May 2) at 7.45pm at Lewes FC’s The Dripping Pan stadium.
A crowd of about 400 people are expected to attend and raise money for the charity founded in memory of a Seagulls supporter who died in 9/11.
Entry is £5 for adults or £2 for under 16s (or free if accompanied by an adult). Since it was launched, the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund has raised more than £120,000 for a host of football clubs and sporting charities.
For more details visit www.remf.org.uk
