Latest news with Tim Ridgway
This week’s headlines from across the city
ECONOMY ON TRACK – DESPITE JOB LOSSES
The UK’s economy is on track – those were the words of employment minister Esther McVey as she gave an exclusive interview to Latest TV.
The comments came after health giant BUPA announced it would be cutting 170 posts in the city. But despite the bad news, the Tory frontbencher remained buoyant. She was in Brighton to visit Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby – and see up close the work of Swim UK in boosting apprenticeships. Coming in the same week that businesses from across Sussex were celebrated, it was a reminder that we’re blessed with some great firms on the south coast.
BALLS TO THE DEFICIT
It was a busy week on the political visit front as Labour’s shadow chancellor Ed Balls came to town. In what was a perfectly constructed photo-shoot, he served coffee to people queuing at the Small Batch near Hove Station.
In yet another exclusive interview with Latest TV, the shadow chancellor confirmed that Labour would look to reduce public spending to bring down the deficit if it won power next year.
He also played down the threat of the Greens – but you’d expect that from him, wouldn’t you?
LABOUR DEFECTION
Every week it seems I am writing about how the run-up to next year’s local and general election is hotting up. Well, the past week it started to bubble nicely as Labour councillor Leigh Farrow announced his defection to UKIP.
This was after he was de-selected by Labour to stand for the party in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean after a series of complaints about his behaviour from council.
Labour locally said the announcement was “somewhat surprising” – claiming that Cllr Farrow recently described UKIP as “racist”, “xenophobic” and “acting like the BNP”. Regardless, it will be a blow to Labour with every vote crucial, even in what is seemingly a safe seat for the party of the red rose.
HENS SUCCESS
Good news for all of you following our Home Our Hens campaign.
Thousands have now been rehomed – and it’s all down to the hard work of Hove campaigner Sue Baumgardt.
On Thursday and Friday, she saved 6,000 birds from the slaughterhouse with both individuals and groups coming forward.
DOGG VISIT
Brighton hosted rap royalty last week when Snoop Dogg came to town. The man who’s sold more than 30 million hits performed a two-hour set “Djing and hosting his hits” at Shoossh Brighton in King’s Road Arches.
UK dates have been thin on the ground since his ban on entering the UK was lifted in March 2010. But following a successful night, here’s hoping the dogg is back some time soon.
CHRISTMAS CHEER 1
Is it Christmas again already? It sure is. And for those of you not in the mood for some festive cheer, look away now. That’s because in Southwick two householders have kitted out their property in illuminations of every variety – all in the aid of Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House.
The owner, Paul Ross-Dale, said there were more flashing lights than you could wave a bright candy cane at – and I agree …
CHRISTMAS CHEER 2
Thousands of pounds have been raised for charity thanks to the ‘Elf on the Twelfth’ campaign. Those taking part were encouraged to donate £1 to wear red and green on 12/12/14 and help make life better for sick children in Sussex this Christmas. And the Latest TV cameras were on hand to catch it.
CHRISTMAS CHEER 3
Advent is here, which for many of you involves eating chocolate.
But for those on St Nicholas Road, Brighton, the traditional calendar has taken on another form.
Street residents came together to create displays in their home windows, so all can join in the countdown. A truly special way to welcome in Christmas.
