News: Latest News with Tim Ridgway
This week’s headlines from across the city
RNLI
They are the unsung heroes of the sea. But recently Latest TV had the privilege of meeting some of the volunteers that man the RNLI lifeboats in Brighton.
To watch a full length feature, head over to www.thelatest.tv.
LIDO SUCCESS
It was a week of celebration for those involved in the campaign to save the Saltdean Lido.
Parts of the Grade II* listed art deco attraction have been out of use for nearly a decade. But following a successful campaign, a group led by a bunch of committed locals has got the keys to the place – and now they’ve been awarded more than £2 million to bring it back into use.
With plans for a heated swimming pool and plenty of community facilities, this is sure to be a popular place when it opens next year.
It was also good news over in Worthing as they received £245,000 to establish a Creative Hub in Colonnade House for the benefit of local cultural entrepreneurs. Some may question the awarding of the cash in Conservative-controlled seats just a few months out from the election. But those who will benefit really don’t seem to mind.
ON THE RISE
Domestic abuse cases in Brighton and Hove are on the rise. In the past year, nearly 4,000 incidents were reported across the city.
So what is behind the increase?
Well after speaking to Gail Grey, Chief Executive of domestic abuse charity Rise, it’s clear that one of the reasons is that reporting incidents is on the increase. This is in part due to political will, with all parties and police chiefs locally recognising the need to tackle this issue.
With funding cuts bound to affect these support services as well as others, there will be calls to ensure that enough money remains in the pot to cope with the increased demand.
LIVING IN FEAR
Events of recent weeks have heightened tensions between Islamic and western states.
But what about those muslims who live locally? What impact has this heightened state had on their daily lives?
According to Imam Idris Nawab, many of his friends are living in fear. Speaking to Latest TV’s Mike Mendoza, he described how during a recent visit to a gym someone asked him if he was working out to train for Isis.
To see the full interview, tune in to www.thelatest.tv.
WAGE WAR
A Worthing butcher made an appearance in the Houses of Parliament this week.
The reason? Well he was named and shamed by ministers for being one of a handful of firms not to pay the living wage.
The owner of Shannons, in South Street, Tarring, did not want to speak to Latest about the issue. But jumping to his defence was local MP Sir Peter Bottomley, who said it was the result of a misunderstanding.
Still, it did raise the issue: what is a fair price for a full day’s work?
With the living wage campaign in full swing in Brighton and Hove, it seems that the days of even paying the minimum wage – never mind below it – are well and truly gone.
PROPERTY PREMIUM
The most expensive property in Brighton and Hove’s history has gone on the market.
26 Lewes Crescent is listed by agents Brand Vaughan at a mammoth £4.25 million. According to the ad, the Grade I-listed, five-storey mansion has been renovated to bring the Georgian masterpiece into the 21st century.
Among the perks are iPad-controlled lighting, a steam room, built-in coffee machines and electronically operated rain-sensitive windows.
Chuck in the minute’s walk to the sea through a private garden which inspired Alice and Wonderland and agents are hopeful they will find a buyer.
But with a massive housing shortage in the city generally, is it yet further proof that the divide between the haves and have-nots is bigger than ever before.
SAYING GOODBYE
The city said goodbye to one of its heroes last week. Bernard Jordan came to fame when he performed his own Great Escape from his Hove care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The former Hove mayor was held up as an example to all in determination and doing what you think is right.
His funeral was held last week and dignitaries from across the city attended to give him the send off he deserved.
SEEDY SUNDAY
Keen green-fingered enthusiasts packed Brighton’s Corn Exchange this weekend for Seedy Sunday.
It has become the UK’s biggest and longest-running community seed swap event – so even if you don’t like gardening it’s well worth a visit.
With 60 stalls, this year was perhaps the best ever. And we caught up with organiser Steve Bustin, who told Latest TV why it was such a special part of the city’s calendar.
