1 day Ago
A councillor has criticised works on a seafront path which residents have branded as “dangerous” and a councillor called "a recipe for disaster". There are currently barriers in place on the footpath next to the seafront on Kings Road, Brighton – opposite the Odeon cinema and near Shelter Hall. A section of the path has been cordoned off, forcing pedestrians to walk in the cycle path next to it.
The council has said that the barriers are in place due to planned repair works and it will be "reviewing the current arrangements". However Green councillor, Steve Davis, has branded the works as a “recipe for disaster” - particularly given the current heatwave . Cllr Steve said: “This stretch of cycle lane has never conformed to the Government standard LTN-120 set five years ago and is clearly a danger to all using it with the current changes.
“It also now falls short of the Government's 'Inclusive Mobility' document from 2021 and as the warm weather continues and the visitor numbers rise, this location is a recipe for disaster. The barriers on the seafront (Image: Supplied) He added: “Recently when the Albion Hotel caught fire and then needed demolition, a traffic lane was closed and with good management the sky didn’t fall in, and I urge the Labour administration to act and make this location safe for all before a serious accident occurs. “Given it has been two years since the administration withdrew plans for the A259 active scheme however I won’t hold my breath.
” A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, also shared their concerns after walking along the seafront last weekend. They said: “There are no signs to warn anyone and all of a sudden these barriers move the pedestrians into the middle of the bike lane. It's potentially really dangerous.
“When I was there most of the pedestrians didn't have a clue that they'd walked into a bike lane. The cyclists were slowing down and ringing their bells but the pedestrians were completely oblivious. “They need to sort it out because it'll only get worse when the sun brings more tourists to the seafront.
" READ MORE: What the Brighton i360 could look like after hospitality overhaul The council has said they will be taking on the feedback and reconsidering the current situation. Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for for Parking, Transport and Public Realm, said: “This stretch of seafront is very much our shop window and as such, we appreciate how important it is for work to be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. “There is, unfortunately, a section of footpath opposite The Odeon which is in need of repair.
This is complicated work which will need to be done alongside other planned work in the area to reduce the impact any partial road closure will have on residents and visitors. “As soon as we have a detail schedule for this work, we will let residents know and put signs in place to make it clear to visitors. “In the meantime, barriers are in place, but following feedback, and with the hot weather likely to bring additional crowds to this part of the seafront, we will be reviewing the current arrangements.
He added: “The safety of residents and visitors will always be our main priority. We will revisit this site to make sure there is adequate signage in both directions for pedestrians and cyclists and regularly review the situation until the work is complete. “I would like thank residents and visitors for their patience and understanding while we work at pace to rectify this situation and reassure them that their safety is our top priority.
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