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New beginnings for Edward Street area

WEB.600Brighton & Hove City Council are asking residents and businesses to give their views on proposals to transform the area around Edward Street in Brighton which backs onto the ‘Gay Village’ and includes one of the city’s largest employers American Express.

The construction of the new American Express building and demolition of the old offices has provided the council with an opportunity to look at how the whole area could be regenerated. As a result, the Council has produced a draft planning brief for the Edward Street Quarter which includes land north of Edward Street bounded by William Street to the west and White Street to the east. The area also includes land to the west of John Street and Dorset Gardens Peace Park (to the south of Edward Street.)

The planning brief aims to guide future redevelopment for the area that combines business and residential use along with supporting retail and  community space. Officers have also looked at how transport and travel links could be improved.

Consultation started on Monday, April 15 and next week there will be drop-in public exhibitions on:

•           Monday, April 22, 2pm to 8pm, Brighton Deaf Centre, Carlton Hill, Brighton BN2 0GW
•           Tuesday,  April 23, 2pm to 8pm, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1RL

You can see the planning brief at Hove Town Hall, from April 25 to May 3.

To contribute online CLICK HERE:  

Send your views by post to Planning Strategy & Projects, Room 407-410, Hove Town Hall, Hove BN3 3ZZ.

Or by email to planning.projects@brighton-hove.gov.uk .

Cllr Geoffrey Bowden
Cllr Geoffrey Bowden

WEB.600Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the Economic Development and Culture Committee, said:

“The area around Edward Street is a key site for the city and the planning brief will help make sure it is put to the best use for future generations. The council would like to see a high quality, mixed use development with office, residential, retail and community space.

“We’ll be looking at contributions from residents, local organisations and businesses when drawing up the final document, so I would encourage people to take part and help shape what goes into the area.”

The planning brief outlines provision for 15,000-20,000 square metres of office space, 65 residential units, shops, restaurants, and community facilities.

It emphasises the importance of high quality design and good pedestrian and transport links to bus and rail, along with improved pedestrian and cycle access. It also highlights the opportunity to provide landscaping and planting and to improve the open space at Dorset Gardens Peace Park and linkages to Tarner Park.

Closing date for comment is May, 27 2013.

Brighton & Hove’s Economic Development and Culture Committee will consider the final version in September.

Lady of the Wild West Hill: The Marlborough Theatre

V G Lee
V G Lee

Author and comedian VG Lee will be bringing her show, The Lady of the Wild West Hill, to The Marlborough Theatre as part of the Fringe Festival in May.

This one-woman play sees Jean Bushell and her friends getting older but still hope for something more from their lives. Malcolm, Jean’s octogenarian neighbour wants a special someone and some guppies. Karen wants a dance partner, her mother wants a knitting pattern and straight Stella would like to be sexually rampant. But what or who does Jean hope for?

Where: The Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes Street, Brighton.

When:   Friday, May 17 – Sun, May 19 at 7.45pm.

Tickets: £8.50/£6.50 from Brighton Fringe Box Office.

To book, CLICK HERE:     www.marlboroughtheatre.org.uk

Or telephone: 01273 917272

Students stage benefit night for LGBT Switchboard

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LGBrighTon, Brighton University’s LGBT society, are holding a charity event to benefit Brighton LGBT Switchboard at the Blind Tiger Club, Brighton on Wednesday, May 15 at 7pm.

All profits will be donated to Switchboard at the event, which features female punk courtesy of The Vulgarities; 5-piece band Tinder playing music ranging from reggae to rock ballads; a live performance from Battle of You; and a 5-piece Brighton-based alternative rock band Devil in Detail.

Proceedings will be rounded off with DJs till 1am.

Where: The Blind Tiger, 52-54 Grand Parade, Brighton.

When: Wednesday, May 15 at 7pm.

Tickets: £2 (all profits to Switchboard)

For more info, CLICK HERE:

New sexual health service

THT

Following consultation with local gay and bisexual men, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust and the Claude Nicol Centre for Sexual Health have launched a new sexual health clinic in Brighton. Clinic M, which opened on April 10, will run every Wednesday from 5pm to 8pm at the Claude Nicol Centre, replacing the Wilde Clinic.

The new service will be funded by the local NHS and delivered by trained NHS staff.

The change to local services follows a consultation process by Terrence Higgins Trust and the Claude Nicol Centre. The consultation found that some gay and bisexual men, particularly those who might be into the harder sex scene or who use recreational drugs during sex, may have additional or specific needs in supporting their sexual health.  Clinic M will create a space where men can talk freely about these aspects of their sex lives so that they can make informed choices about their sexual health.

The services available at the new clinic will be specially designed to meet the needs expressed during the consultation process.

The clinic will also cater for men who feel confident about their level of sexual health knowledge and test frequently, but would like quick and fuss-free access to screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Rapid HIV tests, self-administered swabs and a refined pre-testing discussion will all help to ensure men get a quick and accessible service.

Justin Harbottle from THT in Brighton said:

“Regular STI screening is an important part of keeping on top of your sexual health and reducing onward transmission of STIs. Clinic M will provide a space where men, particularly for those who might be into harder sex or recreational drugs, can be open and realistic about their sex lives without feeling like they’re going to be judged or lectured. We hope that by giving men access to quick STI screening and simple information when they need it, the new clinic will encourage more gay men in Brighton to come forward to test regularly for STIs.”
 

Dr Daniel Richardson, Consultant and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer from the Claude Nicol Centre for Sexual Health, said:

“Working in partnership with Terence Higgins Trust and patients has enabled us to modernise and update the Wilde clinic into Clinic M to provide a new sexual health service for Brighton’s men who have sex with men and address current issues such as increasing infection rates, club drug and alcohol use.”

Clinic M will run on Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 8pm at the Claude Nicol Centre, Abbey Road entrance. Drop-in slots are available in the first hour of the clinic, from 5pm to 6pm. Alternatively, men can call (01273) 664 721 to make an appointment.

The clinic adds to the existing range of sexual health services available for gay and bisexual men in Brighton, including THT’s rapid HIV testing service (including other STI tests) at the charity’s centre at 61 Ship Street on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm; the charity’s testing services at Brighton Sauna on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm; and the main Claude Nicol sexual health service, which is available for appointments and walk-ins throughout the week.

Caroline Lucas co-sponsors ‘homophobic chanting’ EDM

WEB.220The Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) and the Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters’ Club (BHASC) have welcomed an Early Day Motion (EDM) to end homophonic chanting at football matches, which was tabled on Monday, April 15 by John Leech MP, Liberal Democrats spokesperson on Culture, Leisure and Sport.

This follows a report released by both organisations into the level of homophobic chanting experienced by supporters of Brighton & Hove Albion so far this season, which showed that abuse has been heard from 72% of all opponents, in 70% of away matches and in 57% of all matches Brighton has played this season.

Chris Basiurski
Chris Basiurski

Chris Basiurski, GFSN Chair, said:

“We are extremely pleased that our report has drawn the support of MPs in Parliament and we welcome this Early Day Motion.

“The aims of the report were to raise awareness of the ongoing problem of homophobic chants aimed at Brighton supporters and the need for all parties to step up efforts to tackle it.

We hope that the Early Day Motion will attract the support of MPs from all political persuasions and we urge all the MPs who are eligible to sign and help bring the football authorities to the table so that together we can come up with an effective and coordinated plan to eradicate the abuse”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, has co-sponsored the EDM, which calls on the police, clubs, supporters and the football authorities to work together to stamp out homophobic chanting.

Caroline Lucas, MP
Caroline Lucas, MP

Caroline said:

“While real progress has been made in tackling racist abuse in football, homophobic chanting in the stands remains rife.

“There’s clearly still a long way to go towards changing such deeply offensive behaviour, and I pay tribute to the work done so far by BHASC and GFSN in highlighting this important issue.

“With such an anti-gay atmosphere in clubs and amongst supporters, it’s not surprising that footballers like Robbie Rogers feel they can no longer stay in the game once their sexuality becomes known.

“Today we are urging politicians, the police, football clubs and supporters to come together and look at ways to eradicate homophobic chanting from the sport for good.”

For the full report, CLICK HERE: 

Switchboard to benefit from play’s opening night

Return to VeniceAuthor Bern Bowers has donated the opening night of his play Return to Venice to raise funds for Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard. All proceeds from the performance on Saturday May 4, will go to the charity.

Return to Venice is a new play based on the boy who inspired Thomas Mann’s iconic novella Death in Venice. He returns to Venice as a grown man to unravel the mystery behind the chance encounter with the novellist, twenty-five years earlier. The play has been described as “a feast for the senses” and includes music by Gustav Mahler.

Bern Bowers, said:

“Switchboard is a fantastic local charity and I’m pleased to be able to support them in this way.” Switchboard Trustee, Maria Antoniou, said “We are very grateful to Bern, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the play. It’s a great way to kick off the Brighton Fringe Festival”.

Switchboard are also planning a raffle on the night. Prizes include a pair of tickets for a performance by the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus.

You can buy tickets for Return to Venice (£12.50 each) from the Brighton Fringe Box Office 0n 01273 91 72 72 or CLICK HERE:

Only the 4th May performance is for Switchboard

Event:  Return to Venice

Where: Purple Playhouse, 36 Montefiore Playhouse, Hove

When:   May 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 , 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 26, 28, 29, 30, 31

June 1, 2

Fascists to march in Brighton today

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March for England (MfE) will be exercising their right to March in Brighton tomorrow, Sunday April 20.

There will be a counter demonstration staged by Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to register opposition to the presence of fascists in the City.

Last years march was disrupted by counter demonstrators including thousands of local Brighton people who turned out to say that fascists were not welcome in Brighton and Hove. There were three arrests, the most serious on an accusation of throwing a milk carton, but all charges were abandoned as there was no evidence to support them.

This is the sixth year the MfE have marched in Brighton. Organisers from the MfE claim they are campaigning for St Georges Day to be designated as a bank holiday.

March for England is an organisation from the far right with an anti Asian agenda. Its leader Dave Smeyton recently spoke at a rally alongside members of the fascist group, the English Defence League (EDL).

The MfE website and Facebook page makes no mention of a campaign for a national holiday, but MfE itself has recently posted an image on their Facebook page featuring Nazi imagery and a National Front slogan, ‘Odin’s Rune’ which was originally used by the armed division of Hitler’s Nazi Party, and latterly by far right groups world-wide.

MfE and UAF have been in discussions with Sussex Police who have decided not to allow the MfE to march through the city centre as in previous years.

MfE protestors will be bused from Brighton Station to march on the seafront between Brighton Pier and Middle Street and returned to Brighton Station after the march in buses.

The police called a meeting at twenty four hours notice on Tuesday, April 16 at John Street Police station to tell community chairs and representatives of their plans. Those present included the elected chairs of the LGBT Community Safety Forum, The Gay Business Forum, The St James Street Pub Watch and the St James Street Action Group, the deputy leader of the city council Phelim McCafferty and Cllr for Queens Park ward, Geoffrey Bowden.

Asked why they had not consulted with the communities of interest before the decision was made to move the march to the centre of tourist activity on the sea front and close to the gay village, the police said they were “not required to consult on the matter”.

The police confirmed that the reason they had moved the march to the seafront was that their risk assessment said it was the “safest place for the march to take place”.

They confirmed that there would be 1,000 police officers on hand to police the protest

Over the last three years opposition to MfE marching in the City has escalated. Last year there was a tiny minority of protestors intent on violent confrontation and as a result there was disorder with missiles thrown at officers and those involved in the procession.

Due to this confrontation the procession was unable to complete its agreed route.

A statement issue by Sussex Police this week included the following:

“The policing of this event has become a significant challenge for the City. We have a duty to balance the rights of people to carry out a peaceful protest, whether in support of the march or opposed to it, allowing those to go about their normal business in the city, whilst always prioritising public safety through preventing crime and disorder.

“Unlawful behaviour or that which goes beyond what could be considered reasonable in terms of peaceful protest will not be tolerated. This can put people at risk who want to exercise their important right to peacefully protest or go about their normal business, enjoying the City in a safe and secure environment.

“There will be a significant number of police resources, from a number of different police areas, to minimise disruption as far as possible and offer reassurance to those who may be affected.

“It is also important that those attending the event work with us and comply with directions or other restrictions which we will need to give to keep people safe. This will help to ensure officers can focus their attention on the minority of those who may be intent on causing trouble. Due to the risk of disorder on the day we are likely to be stopping and searching more people and have pre-authorised powers to do this under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“The policing style I have directed from the outset is early engagement with the public, including protestors and any identified groups or assemblies, with clear, calm and professional communication to explain what is acceptable and what is not in relation to behaviour and protest activity.

“I expect a friendly, fair but firm policing approach which will provide every opportunity for those involved in or affected by this event to work with us in ensuring a safe and peaceful day.

“We have published in advance the route of the procession, the locations where people are able to peacefully protest and where there will be restrictions to allow every opportunity for those who want to take part in the event to co-operate with the police.

“This will be published on the Sussex Police Website.

“It is highly likely that some disruption will take place on the day and we are working with organisers and our partners within the City to reduce this risk. The agreed route along the seafront, which was recommended by us, will minimise, as far as possible, disruption to the City and provides a safe operating area for the public, including participants, and the police.

“To ensure the safety of all those involved there will be a road closure in place on the A259 coast road from Brighton Pier to West Street from around 10am. Traffic, including pedestrians, from the access roads leading to this section of the A259 will also be redirected. The closure will apply for the duration of the march. Alternative diversion routes will also be in place to reduce the amount of traffic in the area during this period.”

Madeira Drive will also be closed as a result of the planned Jaguar Car Raleigh.

A road closure will be in place between the Aquarium roundabout and the Grand Junction Road (A259) junction with West Street from 10am until 3pm. The march will not commence before 12.30pm and will conclude no later than 2.30pm.

Updates will be available throughout the day on www.sussex.police.uk/live and also via their twitter account @sussex_police

A spokesperson for Unite Against Fascism (UAF), said:

“The most effective defence against this attack on our community is to stand together and show that we will not be divided. The strength of opposition the racists faced last year left them downcast, they very nearly didn’t return.  Their show of strength, 140 people, looked pretty weak when over 1000 showed up to heckle them. All it takes to ensure they do not come back is for the largest possible number of Brightonians to come out on Sunday and shout them out of town.”

Full statements issued by Sussex Police and Unite Against Fascism can be downloaded from the LGBT Community Safety Forum website.

To read: CLICK HERE:   

For more information about UAF: CLICK HERE: 

In the event of an emergency telephone 999.

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Proud2Be to launch Totnes LGBT Pride

Proud2Be marching at London Pride 2012
Proud2Be marching at London Pride 2012

Proud2Be Project is set to launch it’s first rural pride event in Totnes, Devon for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their friends, family members and supporters.

The yearly event will be held at The Civic Centre on Saturday September 14, 2013 at 11.30AM and will include a live panel debate, live music, food & drinks, workshops and stalls for local community organisations and the Devon & Cornwall Police.

Sgt. Ryan Doyle from the Devon Diverse Communities Team, said:

“Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to support Totnes Pride as part of our commitment to the LGB&T communities in the area. We would also like to congratulate Mat and Jon Price and the Totnes Pride team for organising the day and hope that this can be established as a successful annual event”

Founded and directed by identical twin brothers Mat and Jon Price, Proud2Be has already been put forward for a Princes Trust award and a National Diversity award.

The project started as the gay brothers sat in front of their web cam and told the world they are “proud to be gay”.

Since then a number of high profile figures have come forward and recorded similar messages, including Peter Tatchell, Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans MP, Michael Cashman MEP and Stephen Fry.

Through the project, Mat and Jon will not only host the yearly pride event and run the campaign but also facilitate social groups and residentials.

Mat and Jon, said:

“As gay children growing up in a small rural village we both know how isolating it can feel to be LGBT identified and have little access to those of the same community.

“We felt it was time to bring Pride into rural areas where LGBT people are at most risk of feeling isolated and invisible”.

 

The Proud2Be Project invites everyone to attend whether LGB or T or their friends, family members or supporters.

The Proud2Be Project is looking for volunteers to help out on the day.

To find out how to get involved and to learn more about Totnes Pride, CLICK HERE:

Future of Meridan Centre in Peacehaven discussed

Simon Kirby, MP
Simon Kirby, MP

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has held a meeting in Parliament with representatives from the Co-operative group to discuss their management of the Meridian Centre in Peacehaven.

Mr Kirby recently issued a survey in the Peacehaven area to seek residents’ thoughts on the state of the important community facility, and he received over 1000 replies. It was clear from the responses that local people value the Meridian Centre, however many feel that it is not living up to its potential due to problems with disrepair, vandalism, empty shops and underuse.

Simon, said:

“I arranged a meeting with Co-Op representatives in order to convey to them the concerns that I frequently heard from local people in response to my recent survey regarding the Meridian Centre.

“I am pleased that the Co-Op group acknowledged many of the problems that have been raised, and they are assessing a number of ways to improve the aesthetic appeal of the centre as well as the facilities that are available there. They confirmed to me that they will look to improve the shabby exterior signage, refurbish the toilet facilities and increase recycling services. They are also currently offering very favourable terms to potential tenants in order to attract more businesses to the Meridian Centre.
 
“The Co-Op are also keen to re-launch the Meridian Centre as a vibrant community hub, and they are in the process of seeking licenses to allow them to host events for local schools, businesses and charities at the site. I have pledged to do what I can to help, and I have written to relevant parties in support of the group’s license applications.
 
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with the Co-Op. I will continue work with them and communicate with my constituents over the importance of this very important local resource.”

The Door: The Warren

The DoorThe Door, an unnerving journey into the world of sleep deprivation, will be playing at The Warren, Brighton as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival in May.

Inspired by writer Cherise Cross’s own battles with insomnia and produced by a company of National Theatre staff, The Door is a dark, psychological drama told through the character of John who stumbles ever further into a maze of questions and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience for those bold enough to step inside.

 

Where: The Warren, Russell Place, Brighton.

When: Thursday, May 30–Friday, May 31 at 7.15pm.

Tickets:£10/£8.50.

To book, CLICK HERE:  

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