Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, has responded to a Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats statement, saying Brighton & Hove City Council needs to “get real” over this summer’s Pride celebrations.
According to the Lib Dems, the council’s recently announced plans to move the street party to Marine Parade, whilst leaving St James’ Street unticketed and fully open to traffic, “are the worst of all worlds for all parties”. In a release, the Lib Dems say “current plans will lead to a dangerous, chaotic event which risks increasing disruption to local residents rather than decreasing it”. Full statement HERE
Cllr Miller said: “The decision to enhance the street party on Marine Parade and return St James’s Street to the community is just one part of an evolving vision for Pride. It was taken following significant consultation, including a survey completed by more than 1,500 people, and in collaboration with key partners, including Brighton & Hove Pride CiC.
“Safety is always our primary concern and plans for the entire city over Pride weekend are developed in collaboration with Sussex Police and other emergency services.
“As part of this process, we will work with organisers to make sure any concerns about safety on St James’s Street are addressed, including a final decision on traffic management and potential road closures.
“St James’s Street will also be closely monitored by both the council and the police throughout the weekend.
“Moving the focus of the street party to Marine Parade helps transform it into something new. It will also allow venues on St James’s Street to be more accessible to their regular customers as well as visitors for Pride, something many local businesses and residents told us they wanted.
“Pride has always evolved – and always come back bigger and better. This is just another step on that journey.”
