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Newsletter 216 - October 2006

In this issue:

• What are pavements for? (continued)
• Have you got a light?
• Behind the scenes at the BBC
• Will the i360 cause traffic chaos?
• The Council's view
• One for the birds
• PA promise
• Wildlife watch
• Autumn Trip
• Big changes to parking - maybe

What are pavements for? (continued)

One common use for pavements is to store trade waste.

Ten years ago most businesses stored their rubbish on their own premises. Now many are using the public footways. Large wheelie bins belonging to shops, pubs, restaurants etc are appearing all over our area.

What's wrong with that? Bins block pavements forcing pedestrians into the path of vehicles. They cause problems for parents with pushchairs and for the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs.

Bins on the pavement encourage dumping of rubbish. The bins are emptied by private contractors, but the dumped rubbish is left until the Council deals with it.

Bins left outside pubs and bars often contain glass, which could be used by those looking for a fight. There have been several serious assaults with bottles in our area in recent weeks. One local pub helpfully labels the bin, which is useful for those in a hurry to find a weapon.

If you've had a few drinks you may well view a bin with wheels as something that ought to be moved around. Fun for those involved but not for people trying to sleep nearby.

What is the Council's policy about bins left on the pavement by businesses? A license is needed to put out tables and chairs. Is the same true of bins? We have asked the Council to clarify the situation.

Have you got a light?

Two assaults with bottles have occurred recently in the north east corner of Regency Square. This area, and the nearby corner of Russell Square both suffer from poor street lighting.

We are asking the Council what can be done to improve public safety in these areas by installing better lighting.

Behind the scenes at the BBC

Eleven radio loving members and friends joined the Society's guided tour of BBC Southern Counties Radio in Queens Road last month. We watched the team work as they broadcast live from the studio.

It was amazing to see how relaxed they all were, chatting freely with us while lining up the next record, preparing the next weather report or taking a call from a listener. Apparently it does get a bit more stressful sometimes, especially when there is a big news story.

Many thanks to Janice Rout who showed us round, and to the whole team for making us feel very welcome.

Will the i360 cause traffic chaos?

A number of members have expressed concern about the likely impact of the extra traffic which will be generated by the i360. Brian and Shoshana Foster make the following points:

"One of our main areas of contention is the traffic situation. The developer's transport survey of traffic congestion around Regency Square area was based on only one day (Sunday 30th July). A Saturday or perhaps the average based on two weekends, might have been better"

"The number of people coming into Brighton varies considerably, depending on the weather, school holidays and events. There is often a rush quite late in the afternoons which, as we know, completely blocks the Square as cars back up trying to get into the NCP. Saturday can be more congested. Visitors might return home earlier on a Sunday for work the next day. As I recall, the 30 July was not a particularly crowded day compared with the summer average."

The Council's view

Luke Perkins is the planning officer dealing with i360 application. He has told us that the council is "planning to negotiate traffic management measures" as part of the conditions for any permission. These negotiations are "not yet complete" but will cover a number of issues including "necessary enhancements to the area."

One for the birds

He has also responded to our concerns about the threat posed to birds by the wind turbine.

The Council's "ecologist has now reviewed the application and has stated that the mitigation methods proposed are adequate with regards to Peregrine Falcons and other bird species."

PA promise

One of our comments on the i360 plan was that any public address system should be used sparingly and not cause a nuisance for residents.

The developers have said that a "system is likely to be installed which will be targeted towards patrons in the seating and tollbooth areas." It is claimed that "with current speaker technology, impacts outside this area will be likely to be minimal."

Wildlife watch

Committee member Brian Smith has twice spotted a fox scurrying between Russell Square and Queensbury Mews. Has anyone else seen it? Where does it live?

Meanwhile residents in the same corner area suffering from an invasion of starlings. In previous years starlings gathered on the far end of the West Pier. Many of them now seem to have moved and taken up residence in ivy on walls behind properties in Regency Square.

Viewed from a distance, large number of starlings can be spectacular as they fly at great speed in close formation, like a swirling cloud. As neighbours they are less attractive. They create smell and noise.

Autumn Trip

The Kingcliffe Society has organised a trip to Danson Park and The Red House near Bexley Heath. It will be on Friday 20 October by coach leaving from Old Steine at 10:05am.

The cost is £18 for the coach and admission to Danson House. There is an extra charge of £6 if you want to visit the Red House unless you are a member of the National Trust.

Members of our society are welcome to join to trip. Call Vivienne Carter for more details (01273 271269).

Big changes to parking - maybe

A while ago there was a major consultation exercise about parking, including a public meeting organised by local ward councillor, Roy Pennington. Since then things have gone quiet.

It could just be that people didn't like the proposed changes and so the Council is revising them.

Here's a brief summary of the current proposals for our area:

• Most existing resident only spaces remain as such
• Two resident spaces in Stone Street become shared (i.e. resident permit and pay and display)
• Two paying spaces in Castle Street become resident only
• Seven new shared spaces in Preston Street
• Nine new resident only spaces in Queensbury Mews replace yellow lines
• Eleven new spaces replace yellow lines in Regency Square

Perhaps the most unpopular aspect of the proposals is the creation of just two large parking zones. This creates a risk of permit holders who live out of the centre using spaces here when they come to shop or work.

Let us know your views about parking? Contact any member of the committee or use the web site.

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