Ben Duncan

Green Cllr Ben Duncan has taken action to help ensure local small businesses don’t suffer due to planned road works.

Guest Houses in the St James's Street area of the city are reporting a loss of business and reputation because of the noise and disturbance caused by essential gas maintenance works in the area. Specifically, the re-routing of buses along Madeira Place from St James St has led to guests cancelling their stays. Concerns have also been raised that the unexpected route and high volume of buses taking a sharp corner into Madeira Place is compromising pedestrian safety.

Ben, Ward Cllr for Queen’s Park, said:
“The gas works have been in the pipe line for months, but neither the council nor the bus company seem to have anticipated many of the problems they’re causing.

“Local small businesses are suffering financially, and it seems pedestrian safety is also being affected. Both of these are totally unacceptable.

“I’ve asked Brighton & Hove Buses to see if it's possible to safely re-route the buses currently going along Madeira Place, and have also arranged for senior council staff to come along to a local action team meeting to hear local residents and traders concerns.

“Tourism is central to Brighton and Hove, but it’s taken a real hit in the current economic climate. It’s really important that the council do all it can to help local small businesses, especially those that play such a vital role to the city’s economy as a whole.”

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