Work is beginning this week to upgrade lighting in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Garden, which according to Brighton & Hove City Council will make the area a “brighter, more appealing space”.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s Community Safety and Transport teams, working with Sussex Police, believe upgrading the lighting will help people feel safer in the area, which has been identified as a place where anti-social behaviour often takes place.
The work will be done in three phases, with each phase taking between eight to 12 weeks to complete. Some of the lanterns have Grade II listed status; Brighton & Hove City Council stresses “care will be taken to preserve their historic look and feel”. Temporary lighting will be installed while the work is taking place to ensure the area remains well lit.
Andy Saville, Chief Inspector from Sussex Police, said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden is an iconic landmark in Brighton & Hove and everyone should feel safe to visit and use them at any time of day or night.
“As members of the Community Safety Partnership, we work closely with the council to protect the public and this upgraded street lighting will make a significant difference to safety and enjoyment in the gardens.
“Police have already increased patrols around the Royal Pavilion Gardens and New Road area and worked with the council to install extra CCTV in New Road to deter and catch those engaging in anti-social or criminal behaviour.
“We will continue to put measures in place, alongside the council and other community partners, to ensure the Royal Pavilion Garden and New Road remain safe places to enjoy.”
People can use the StreetSafe app to report if you feel unsafe in a public space. StreetSafe allows you to flag a location right down to street level and, crucially, explain what specifically makes you feel unsafe in the area. That means police and partners can take steps to address specific issues affecting public spaces.
StreetSafe can be downloaded from the app store. To report crime, call 101 or always dial 999 in an emergency.
