09/11/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Hove MP Weatherley calls for a new flexible 50 metre pool

Posted on 09/11/201310/11/2013 by Sarah Green

Ahead of a meeting between developers and Brighton & Hove City Council officials, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade wants developers to embrace the benefits of a dividable 50m pool as they draw up plans for a new King Alfred Leisure Centre.

Mike insists the advantages of a dividable 50m swimming pool with adjustable floors include cost and flexibility.

Crawley’s 50m pool is used in its 50m configuration every morning and is packed during gala situations. Alongside this, residents of all abilities, including the elderly and young children, use the flexible pool for all sorts of different purposes.

A petition backing the wishes of residents was recently drawn up in order to highlight the desire locally for first-rate, flexible facilities. Parents, young swimmers, swimming groups and sports clubs have all backed the campaign for a dividable 50m facility. Principal backers include the Shiverers Swimming Club, Amateur Swimming Association and Olympic diver Chris Mears.

Mike said:

“I hear time and again from residents that they want the flexibility of a 50m pool at the new King Alfred so it is no surprise that the petition for the 50m campaign has already received hundreds of signatures. As developers are set to meet with officials from the council, I hope that they will listen carefully to the wishes of residents and draw up plans based on a dividable, 50m swimming pool.”

Parking in the Preston Triangle – views sought

Posted on 09/11/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Brighton & Hove Council are seeking the views of residents, businesses and visitors who park in the triangle of roads to the west of the Fiveways junction in Brighton. They are being asked whether they would like a residents’ parking scheme.

Consultation starts on November 11 on whether there is support for a new residents’ parking scheme in the Preston Park Triangle, which incorporate the roads between Preston Drove (including Preston Drove), Preston Park Avenue and Stanford Avenue.

As well as questionnaires being sent to local residents, there will also be a public exhibition at Hove Town Hall parking shop from November 11 to December 20, 9am to 5pm.

To take part in the consultation, CLICK HERE:

Deadline for responses is December 20.

Brighton Old Town public enquiry reports

Posted on 09/11/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Plans to improve the Old Town of Brighton, including The Lanes area, have taken a step forward following a government inspector’s recommendations.

The aim is to reduce unnecessary traffic to develop the area for pedestrians and businesses and to create a more engaging environment.

A consultation exercise carried out in June 2012 found that 66% were in favour of such traffic reduction plans, while a further 55% of residents in the Old Town also wanted a new scheme.

A Public Inquiry was called by the council to seek independent advice on the benefits of the council’s ‘Old Town Transport Scheme’ proposals versus the interests of those who objected to the changes.

The inspector took into account evidence from council officers, residents, businesses, and pedestrian charities and supported the proposals for the new scheme.

Ship Street and Boyce’s Street are just some of the roads that will be affected by the changes as attempts are made to reduce the amount of through traffic in the area. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) will also be banned after 11am as local businesses have complained that they are currently ruining the character of the area.

The proposals will go to the Environment, Transport & Sustainability committee for final approval in January 2014 and implementation could begin shortly after.

For more details and to view the inspector’s report: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/oldtown