'Enormous disruption' fear as building work begins

A scheme to develop an area of Brighton will cause "enormous disruption" both before and after it is completed, a residents' group has warned.

Work is to begin on Tuesday to create a new junction linking Brighton seafront with Valley Gardens, along with new pavements and crossings.

Daniel Nathan, from the Valley Gardens Forum CIC, said the project will increase "congestion, pollution and noise" - both during construction and after it is finished.

Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) says it will make access between Palace Pier and the city centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The multi-million-pound redevelopment will replace the old aquarium roundabout with a traffic light-controlled junction.

Traffic lights on approaching roads are also due to be removed.

Nathan told BBC Radio Sussex BHCC had ignored suggestions by residents and businesses about how the scheme could be improved.

He said a "substantial number of offices" had closed due to the expected disruption.

"The problem is there's very little prospect of those local employers coming back."

Councillor Trevor Muten said BHCC was doing everything it could to minimise disruption.

"I'm really excited for the summer when we can all begin to enjoy the benefits [of the project]," he continued.

BHCC said the new junction will use the "latest smart technology" to keep everyone moving.

Road closures will be rolled out for two weeks due to the works, and diversions will be in place, the council added.

It said the junction will remain open during the day, but suggested drivers may want to use alternate routes as the area will be "busier than usual".

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