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Newsletter 174 - May 2002

In this issue:

• Save our Seafront
• See-through buildings exposed
• Would you believe it?
• Sign of the Times
• When is a double yellow line not a double yellow line?
• Thanks for the offers!
• Beds needed for French musicians
• Golden Jubilee Party

Save our Seafront

The campaign to prevent the construction of large buildings either side of the West Pier is reaching its climax.

The developers, St Modwen have submitted their planning application and the Council has invited comments. The campaign committee has sent out thousands of letters to supporters encouraging them to respond.

Over 2,200 replies have already been received and these were delivered to Hove Town Hall by leaders of the SOS campaign.

The closing date for comment was originally advertised as 9 May but this has now been extended by a week or so because of delays in displaying the public notices.

The Society has sent in its comments. We believe the development is far too large and will spoil the setting of the Pier itself. We also believe it represents "over-development" on the seafront which should be kept open and uncluttered for people to wander and enjoy the sea views.

If you oppose the plans and haven't written yet, please do. It won't matter if your letter is a few days late.

It doesn't need to be a long letter. The important thing is to say that you oppose the development.

Send your letter to Mr H Walke, City Services, Brighton and Hove Council, Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove BN3 3BQ and quote planning reference BH2002/00881/FP

See-through buildings exposed

One of the claims made in support of the proposed buildings next the West Pier is that it will be possible to see through them: so the views of the sea and pier will not disappear.

Now that the detailed plans have been published it is clear that this is not the case. The buildings will be made of glass and it will be possible to see into them, but not through.

If anyone had believed the original claims they would presumably be quite disappointed at this news. For most people it will come as no surprise at all.

Would you believe it?

Unfortunately yes! Within days of plants being laid out in the new beds in Regency Square, a significant number have been stolen.

We have contacted the Council to let them know what is happening and have suggested that temporary wooden fencing, similar to that used in Clarence Square, should be erected to discourage thieves.

Sign of the Times

Perhaps the person who has stolen the plants has also taken the Street name sign from the bottom of Regency Square. We have been assured that it is to be replaced shortly.

When is a double yellow line not a double yellow line?

Answer: when you've got a waiver.

A member in Cannon Place was puzzled recently about two large vans which seemed to be able to park with impunity on double yellow lines for days at a time. She approached the traffic warden who told her that they "had permission" to do so.

We were fascinated by the idea of being given permission to park illegally. So we asked the Council to explain.

Council officer, Denise McSheehy has now replied and explained that "Parking Services do issue waivers to builders/utility service workers enabling them to park on yellow lines if it is necessary to use the vehicle as a workshop."

That doesn't alter the fact that the vans in Cannon Place were taking most of the daylight from our member's front room. And there is no opportunity for the public to object to the issue of a waiver.

However, if you have any queries about parking waivers you can contact Ms McSheehy on 01273 292384 or the Parking Information Centres on 01273 292426 or 01273 293225.

Thanks for the offers!

Lots of members have offered to help with the Jubilee party on June 3rd. If you have offered and have heard nothing yet, you will be getting a call in the next few days to finalise details.

There are still two areas where we need more help.

One area is running the amusements and catering. We need a good number of people for these jobs so that we can have a rota and no one has to be on duty all afternoon. If you can help for an hour or so on the afternoon of June 3rd please call Roger Hinton (01273 321794).

Beds needed for French musicians

The other area where we urgently need extra help is in providing overnight accommodation for the musicians who are coming from Dieppe.

All that is needed is a bedroom and a light breakfast on the morning of 3rd June.

We have already made arrangements to transport the visitors from the ferry at Newhaven to Regency Square. The Society will provide a reception on the Sunday evening, to which overnight hosts will be also be invited. The visitors will then have an evening meal at the Regency Restaurant.

A buffet lunch will be provided by the Society on Monday for the visitors and their overnight hosts, before the band starts playing.

Don't worry if you can't speak French. Many of the visitors will speak English and we have French speakers on the organising committee who can sort out any problems.

If you can help or would like more information before deciding, call Suzanne Hinton (01273 321794).

Golden Jubilee Party

Regency Square - 2pm-6pm Monday 3rd June 2002

PROGRAMME

2:00pm Music from L'Orchestre d'Harmonie de Dieppe
2:30pm Magic and laughter with Abbraca-dazzling Graham
2:45pm Morris dancing on the green
3:30pm The Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton & Hove - The National Anthems
4:30pm Punch and Judy
5:15pm More music from L'Orchestre

• Refreshments
• Bar
• Roll-a-Coin
• Skittles
• Hoopla
• Prize Draw
• Soak the Chairman

Everyone welcome - admission is free

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