Simon Burgess

Guest house owners in Kemptown expressed anger at a local Action Team meeting that they haven't been given enough notice over gas works in St James's St. The meeting was chaired by Labour candidate for the area, Simon Burgess.

Simon said:
"There was understandable anger from guest house owners in Madeira Place who were not consulted or given more than a few days notice by the council or Southern Gas that buses would be diverted for three months down Madeira Place. We all accept that this essential gas main replacement work has to be done, but the lack of consultation is unforgivable.

"There is very serious reputational damage being done to these businesses on top of the more immediate loss of trade. There are serious noise issues coming from diverted buses, on top of the road work noise. Guests are walking out and cancelling bookings, this is serious damage to an important part of our economy."

"Important actions were agreed at the meeting including the police reminding the bus company that drivers should not be using their horns unless there is an immediate danger, buses are currently regularly using their horns to complain about deliveries being unloaded.

"The council and bus company are being asked to re-route the buses along the seafront during the roadworks because even PCSOs have nearly been 'squished' as buses cut the pavement to turn into Madeira Place, and this would then tackle the resulting congestion and noise problems being caused. The gas company will look to delay noisy road breaking works until 10am on Saturday mornings so as to disturb guest house guests less."

"Many of these problems could have been solved had their been better consultation and closer supervision of the traffic re-routing, instead there is disruption, congestion and pedestrians don't feel safe. We really hope everyone will respond constructively to residents and businesses solutions."

For more information about Simon Burgess view:
www.simonburgess.org