Tim Ridgway: Latest News

GRAND DESIGNS
Is there finally an end in sight to the Black Rock saga? For decades the site has sat empty with proposal after proposal falling through. But now Brighton and Hove City Council is in discussion with Standard Life to create a new Brighton Centre at the land near the marina.

The £450 million scheme will then see an expansion of Churchill Square shopping centre. At the moment it’s still early days. But the general feeling as councillors prepare to discuss the plan is positive that something can be done at last for this seafront eyesore.

ENTRY FEE
As part of a plan to save more than £20 million in the next year, Brighton and Hove City Council has recommended charging £5 entry to Brighton Museum.

The fee, which would be charged to non-residents, is expected to save £200,000 a year.

This is despite the council admitting that it will reduce visitor numbers by up to 75%.

The proposal was discussed at a town hall meeting last week. A decision will be made when the budget is set in February.

FESTIVAL PLANS

Organisers behind some of the country’s biggest music festivals are hoping to bring their next venture to Sussex. SJM Concerts, the promoters behind V-Festival, are looking to hold events at Shoreham Airport for up to 70,000 people. If approved, it would be one of the biggest events in the county.

And with a pedigree of attracting acts like One Direction, The Stone Roses and Jessie J, whatever’s planned is sure to be a hot ticket.

MAKING HISTORY
Ten couples are set to make history tomorrow (Wednesday) when they are married at the same time.

From 10 December, those in civil partnerships will be allowed to convert their union into marriage.

It comes after the government’s same sex marriage act came into force earlier this year.

To mark the occasion, Brighton and Hove City Council will oversee the conversion of ten civil partnerships at 10am on the tenth.

And the Latest TV cameras will go along to get the momentous occasion on camera.

MAKING A SPLASH
Thirty of Worthing’s best local swimmers created a splash as they were honoured. Specially-selected from 1,500 active Aquaschool members at the Aquarena, the winners had to show they were top of the class.

But this was not just because they’re fastest or have the best technique – it required enthusiasm and great sportsmanship too.

Several swimmers battled to overcome their fear of water to become proficient swimmers and well-deserved award-winners.

So well done to all.

HOME OUR HENS
It’s now two weeks after we launched our Home Our Hens campaign – and so far it’s been a big success.

We’ve been lending a hand to Sue Baumgardt, an animal rights campaigner from Hove, who wants to save 6,000 birds from the slaughter house.

So far we’ve found homes for more than 5,000. But with three hundred birds without a home, we still need your help. If you want to take a few hens, please call Sue on 01273 885750 or email news@thelatest.tv.

BE A FRIEND
Christmas is just around the corner. And national charity Friends of the Elderly is today calling on people to Be a Friend and reach out to the half a million older people who will spend Christmas alone this year.

The charity hopes to inspire people in every town, village and city across the county to get into the spirit of Christmas and Be a Friend throughout the festive season, and all year round.

For more details visit www.beafriendtoday.org.uk.