Tim Ridgway: Latest News

JOBS BOOST
We’re leading the way – at least when it comes to jobs. Recent figures have shown Brighton and Hove has ridden the recession and smashed its job creation target for the past three years.

The number of jobs created during this time has risen by 9,400 – way above its 6,000 target.

The figures make the city 38th out of 380 for growth in Great Britain with the digital, financial and tourism sectors singled out for praise.

POOR TAX
New plans are set to take £5 out of the pockets of some of the poorest residents in Brighton and Hove. As part of a crackdown on public spending, the government is reducing the amount of money it sets aside to help people pay council tax.

Brighton and Hove City Council has so far been able to subsidise much of the funding gap. But as the spending squeeze continues, the local authority is now telling residents it must make changes by 2015/16.

A consultation is now ongoing with details on the council website.

KING ALFRED
The saga of the King Alfred leisure centre site has rumbled on for decades. But, after years of waiting, could this be about to change? Council chiefs are now advertising for developers to come forward to redevelop the seafront site in Hove.

With hopes for a leisure centre and hundreds of homes, there is still a lot up for discussion. This week Hove MP Mike Weatherley will present a petition calling for a 50 metre pool to be included in the plans.

It will be a few months before we see if his idea are included in the firm proposals.

GREEN DREAM
Brighton and Hove has long been a place where the green dream has thrived. And nowhere is that more evident than in our own homes.

Every year, Eco Open Houses sees homeowners open their front doors to the public so visitors can find out about green technologies and how they too can reduce energy bills.

The launch of this year’s event takes place this weekend – it’s well worth checking out.

CHARGES PARKED
Much celebration in Worthing as a trial to slash parking to £1 an hour in its car parks has been made permanent.

Town hall bosses said the changes had brought more business to the town, as well as raising more money.

I have asked if Brighton and Hove would consider something similar – the answer? Not likely …

THEATRE DREAM
When one Brighton resident found out he was dying of pancreatic cancer, he had only one thing on his mind – creating an open-air theatre in a city park.

Now a year after Adrian Bunting passed away, his friends have finally got planning permission to make the dream become a reality.

Work on transforming the former bowling green in Dyke Road Park will start in the coming months.

BARBER SHOP CHOIR
Barber Peter Joannou gave his clients something extra for the weekend – a swinging, singing haircut in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

Peter, who runs Peter Joannou Male Grooming on Middle Street Brighton, is also a singer. And this weekend he combined the two skills to raise money for the Cancer Research UK/Channel 4 Stand Up To Cancer campaign.

Peter, who specialises in Swing and the Great American Songbook, serenaded as he shaved and crooned as he cut.

Customers could even request their favourite song – Hairy Connick Junior went down a treat…

LIFTING THE FA CUP
Sussex footballers achieved a lifetime’s ambition by lifting the FA Cup. Sadly it was not due to Whitehawk producing a giant-killing shock on the hallowed Wembley turf.

The trophy was in town ahead of the team’s game against Chelmsford City – and even the city’s mayor Brian Fitch joined those in lifting the cup.

Sadly the dream of a cup run for the team from East Brighton is over for another year after they were defeated in a replay.