News: Tim Ridgway, Latest News

This week’s headlines from across the city

PRIME VISIT
Prime Minister David Cameron came to town last week. The focus on the visit to Hove’s Blatchington Mill School was unveiling plans to crackdown the numbers of young people receiving benefits.
In between rallying the Tory troops ahead of May’s general election, he also sat down with Latest TV for an exclusive interview. The fact he chose local television rather than the region’s was obviously a big coup for our city’s very own channel. To see what he had to say, visit www.thelatest.tv

BUDGET D-DAY
One thing that the Prime Minister did comment on was the running of Brighton and Hove City Council. He was less than flattering about the way the Greens have run the authority – but then you’d expect that in an election year.
Months of debating will come to a head on Thursday when councillors sit down to set a budget. At least that’s what the hope is. The minority Greens want a 5.9% council tax rise which will trigger a referendum. The Conservatives favour a freeze, while Labour have chosen 2%.
With all three parties refusing to budge and no one having a majority, expect lots of deliberating before any decision is made.

FESTIVAL LAUNCH
The 2015 Brighton Festival launched last week.
This year’s month long extravaganza of the arts will feature more than 150 events – a third of which will be exclusives.
Guest curator of the May event will be award-winning author Ali Smith. And judging by the response from when tickets went on sale, those behind it could be correct when they say this could the best ever.

POLES APART
To pole or not to pole? That was the question when dancer Chloe Anderson asked to be able to offer sessions in pole fitness to young people at the annual Take Part event.
Officials initially turned down the request, claiming it would present the authority in bad light.
But after nearly 500 people signed a petition, they have since relented.

TINY TREAT
One of my favourite events came back to Brighton this weekend.
Modelworld is quite simply a unique exhibition. What started out as a model railway show has now morphed into an amazing collection that must be seen to be believed. If you didn’t get the chance to pop down, never fear, as our cameras were there catching all the action.
See our report online at www.thelatest.tv

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
When one Worthing man retired, he didn’t know what to do with himself. Ten years on, and George Smewing has raised more than £30,000 for charity with his accordian busking.
Visitors to the town will know him instantly as he always stands in the same place. And next time you see him, why not thank him for the music with a small donation – it all goes to Chestnut Tree House.

MEET THE SEAGULLS
Albion fans of all ages got the chance to get up close and personal with some of their heroes. Seagulls boss Chris Hughton, his assistant Colin Calderwood and players Leon Best and Christian Walton were at The Amex signing merchandise for fans.
Among them was this very cute young Seagull, who after being passed around will likely have no say over who they support in the future …