Tim Ridgway’s Latest News

DUAL OVER A27
Anyone who regularly travels along the A27 will know how much of a pain it is to travel through the stretch in Worthing. With the busy road going down to a single carriageway as it passes through the town, tailbacks are expected.

An ongoing campaign to dual the route is now slowly gathering support from politicians, businesses and campaigners across the region.

But, after the issues was discussed by Brighton and Hove councillors last week, environmentalists are hesitant, claiming they do not believe it is in the best interests of the city. They also question if it would really boost economic growth.Looks like this debate is far from being parked just yet…

RUBBISH AT RECYCLING
Recycling rates in Brighton and Hove have fallen again.

A report published by Brighton and Hove City Council said that the “percentage of household waste sent for reuse, recycling and composting” stood at 25.6 per cent – down from 26.4 per cent a year ago.

The figure is way below the city’s target of 32 per cent and the national average of 43 per cent.

So, why are we so rubbish at recycling?

Watch our report at www.thelatest.tv.

OPEN ALL HOURS
The ribbon has finally been cut on Brighton’s Open Market.

After years of working up plans, the area off London Road which has been home to traders since the 1920s, was officially opened as a new development on Saturday.

Old favourites such as Buttons & Bows and “Bacon King” Dave Ovett will rub shoulders with independent start-ups like T-shirt company Smith & Crumble, and Shaboutique.

Established Brighton brands including Real Patisserie and Smorl’s Houmous are also among the 45 new tenants.

To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv.

SWEET SMELL OF BUILDING WORK
Plans to build nine flats on top of a former perfume factory in Hove have been creating a real stir.

The proposal would add an extra floor to the Dubarry building on Fonthill Road, and behind Newtown Road alongside Hove Station.

But locals, led by Rob Miller, claimed the plans would ruin the building and gave rise to concerns about loss of light and privacy.

The deadline to comment on the proposal with Brighton and Hove City Council is tomorrow (July 23).

STAGED CAMPAIGN FAILS
Brighton Hippodrome could be “lost forever as a theatre” after £18 million plans to convert it into a cinema and restaurant complex were given the go-ahead.

The grade II* listed building on Middle Street has been used as an ice rink, circus, theatre, music venue and bingo hall during its 117-year history.

But with the building being vacant since 2007, Jersey-based developer Kuig Property Investments has come forward to convert the building and turn the area into an “entertainment hub”.

Despite thousands signing a petition calling for the Victorian building to be maintained as a theatre, Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee approved the plans at a meeting last week.

To see our report, visit www.thelatest.tv

FLUSHED WITH SUPPORT
More than 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for improvements to the public toilets in a Brighton park.

The petition was started by Francis Incorvaja who runs the Rotunda Café, in Preston Park, who claimed the facilities were so bad that it was driving people away.

Thanks to the support of local Conservative party members, the issue was discussed by city councillors last week.

HOVE PARK STRIKE
School was out for those at Hove Park School last week, as teachers went on stike over plans to turn it into an academy.

It came as a council-run poll of 1,500 parents revealed that almost 400 did not want the school to be free from local authority control.

They outvoted those in favour by 387 to 156 votes – or more than two to one – with 71 per cent opposed and 29 per cent for.

It’s up to school governors to now decide whether they want to push ahead with the academy move.

To see our report of the strike action, watch www.thelatest.tv.

SHAKEDOWN
Thousands were out on their dancing shoes for the annual Shakedown festival.

With this year being the first time it was held at Waterhall, Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada were among those taking to the stage.

The Latest TV cameras were down there filming. We’ll have the best footage on freeview channel 8 after our launch on August 28.

Stay tuned!