Brighton Pride: Concerns street party plans will cause 'bedlam'
Businesses have voiced their concerns about the relocation of Brighton Pride's street party. It was announced in April that the Brighton & Hove Pride Village Party will no longer be held in St James's Street after complaints from some residents. But business owners on the street say they are worried about safety and public order, as crowds will still come to the area on 2 and 3 August without security, toilets and certain traffic control measures. Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage & tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC), said the local authority was working with organisers to address any safety concerns, including on traffic management and potential road closures.
She told BBC Radio Sussex holding the party on St James's Street was "no longer" possible due to government measures to protect public events from terrorism.
Craig Harwood, co-owner of the Marine Tavern, warned of "potential serious injury or worse with buses and traffic", suggesting people would still go to St James's Street as they might be unaware of the change. Jack Wiley, manager of Affinity Bar, claimed "everyone is annoyed" by the changes. He said business owners had "massive concerns" about underage drinking, who would clean the street up afterwards, and an absence of portable toilets.
"People [are going to be] urinating everywhere and defecating. It's not going to be a nice environment," he said. Flash Bezuidenhout, a Kempton resident, told BBC Radio Sussex the lack of security and number of drunk people in the streets would cause "absolute bedlam". "I am going to be sitting in Starbucks watching the chaos that unfolds," they added. Brighton and Hove City Council agreed with Pride organisers to relocate the street party to Marine Parade, where there will be outside bars and entertainment stages for a ticketed event.
Councillor Miller told BBC Radio Sussex people causing a nuisance on St James Street could be arrested, though not those enjoying themselves and having a drink. More announcements will be made next week in conjunction with Pride organisers, said Ms Miller.
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