Tim Ridgway: This week’s headlines from across the city
HEAR HEAR FOR BIOSPHERE
The United Nations has named the Brighton and Lewes Downs as Britain’s first new biosphere reserve for 40 years.
Thanks to the designation by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the area has become one of more than 600 “world-class environments” in more than 100 countries. Chris Todd, who has led the campaign, said: “Now we have this accolade, we aim to build on the partnership to do even greater things. This is not about telling people what to do but creating a vision for the future.”
TRAVELLER “GAMES”
Conservative politicians have criticised the “cat and mouse” games being played when travellers are evicted from one site in Brighton and Hove and head straight to another.
They spoke out after a large group of travellers left Wild Park in Moulsecoomb and almost immediately occupied Preston Park, Stanmer Park and Black Rock in Madeira Drive. They said that it was the second time that an unauthorised camp had set up in Preston Park in as many weeks.
But the police, supported by the Green administration on Brighton and Hove City Council, said it had a duty to meet the needs of all residents.
POLICE “SPY” ON PEER
The Baroness of Moulsecoomb has criticised police chiefs who recorded her political activity on a secret database set up to track campaigners deemed to be “domestic extremists”. Official files show Scotland Yard kept a log of the political movements of Jenny Jones, a London assembly member and Green Party peer, over an 11-year period.
It was included in a database to monitor activists who could use criminal methods to promote their political aims. This is despite Baroness Jones, who took up a place in the House of Lords last year, not having a criminal record.
PARK LIFE
The Level has celebrated its first birthday! That is since about £2.5 million was spent improving the Brighton park, with a new cafe and skatepark among the highlights. The Latest TV crew were among those enjoying the festivities.
To see our report, visit, www.thelatest.tv.
PUB SALE
One of the oldest pubs in Brighton has been sold to one of Britain’s biggest pub companies. The Druid’s Head, in Brighton Place off East Street, is now owned by Mitchells and Butlers after M&B bought almost all the pubs owned by its smaller rival Orchid in a £266 million deal.
The flint-fronted building has housed a pub since 1825, according to the Encyclopaedia of Brighton.
CROSS AT CROSSING REMOVAL
Can the seafront rainbow crossing not be over? The colourful crossing was painted in Madeira Drive, Brighton, in the run-up to Pride in August. But after staff from Brighton and Hove City Council removed the artwork, traders and campaigners have called for it to be a permanent feature. They claimed it made the area safer while adding to the quirky feel of the seafront artistic quarter.
BUDDING BUSINESS BRAINS WANTED!
Budding business brains are being given the chance to win £50,000 worth of support in turning their bright idea into reality. Young Start-up Talent launched in Brighton for a third year last week. For more details, visit www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk.
Or check out our report on www.thelatest.tv.
