Tim Ridgway’s Latest News
NEW CHAPTER FOR LIBRARY
Residents in Woodingdean were far from bookish after the opening of their new library.
While other towns and cities are shutting libraries due to Government cuts, Brighton and Hove City Council has worked with the local NHS to fund the redevelopment.
The 14-month project saw the former “temporary” library demolished and replaced, while a new medical centre is also on site.
The official opening took place on Thursday with the public free to use it from yesterday (JUNE 2).
To see more on the opening, check out www.thelatest.tv.
FIRE SERVICE FEARS
Dozens packed out the Brighthelm Centre as the future of Brighton and Hove’s fire service was discussed.
It comes as East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service looks to make £1 million of savings in the coming years – with one idea being to take a fire engine away from Brighton and Hove leaving four to cover the whole city.
But many are opposed with Nancy Platts, Labour’s candidate for Brighton Kemptown in next year’s election, calling the whole process a “sham”.
The final decision will be taken at a meeting in Eastbourne on Thursday.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.
PAVILION SNUB
It has been described as the jewel in the heritage crown of Brighton.
But city leaders received a set back last week when a £14 million lottery bid to transform the world-famous Royal Pavilion estate was knocked back.
Representatives of Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton Dome and Festival admitted they were disappointed by the Heritage Lottery Fund decision.
However, they have vowed to look again at the plans and resubmit another bid, potentially in November.
To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.
“Nancy Platts called the whole process a ‘sham’”
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
The Greens have poured cold water on claims by Brighton and Hove Labour Party after it topped the poll locally in the European election vote.
Labour said the ballot showed that they will win control of the city’s council and all its three parliamentary seats next year.
This was after it attracted 20,414 votes in the city – more than double the 9,113 at the European elections in 2009.
The Greens, who topped the poll last time, saw its vote slip from 19,727 to 18,586.
The Conservatives polled 15,626 votes (up from 13,891) and UKIP attracted 14,205 votes (up from 7,570).
Across the South East, UKIP topped the poll and won four seats. The Conservatives were second with 3 while Labour, Greens and Lib Dems all won one each.
PROPERTY PREMIUM
Brighton and Hove is the place to be if you’re looking to buy to let.
Along with Reading, the city has experienced the biggest increase in rental yield in the country during the last year, according to new research by HSBC.
The research said yields have hit 6.17%, up from 5.68% in 2013. It went on to say the average house price in the city is £242,535, with rents hitting £1,248 per month.
BEACH CLEAN
About 200 volunteers took to Brighton seafront for the Big Beach Clean Up this morning.
Employees from some of the biggest business in city joined politicians, council workers and staff from The Argus for the post bank holiday litter pick.
Tonnes of rubbish were removed with organisers at the newspaper hoping visitors got the message to take their rubbish home rather than leaving it on our beach.
GOING FOR GOLD
Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy visited Brighton last week to meet fans and ride round Preston Park velodrome with bike enthusiasts of all ages.
Among those greeting Britain’s most successful Olympian was deputy council leader and keen cyclist Ian Davey.
Apparently, Sir Chris was very impressed with the work being done in the city to boost cycling for everyone.
