People who live along Lewes Road have been invited to roadshows to discuss proposals to improve the area.

The improvements should result in the reduction of carbon emissions, growth of the local economy and increase road safety.

Residents and businesses can put forward their own ideas at the roadshows. They will run every week in different locations during November and December.

Officers from Brighton and Hove City Council will be available there for discussion. Alternatively, suggestions can be communicated through a short questionnaire, which is accessible in both print and online.

The Department for Transport will provide ₤4.2 million to this project through Local Sustainable Transport Fund. An additional ₤2.25 million will come from local partners.

The proposals apply mainly to transport, services and the environment along Lewes Road. One of the council’s goals is to encourage people to travel more efficiently and use public transport.

As a result they propose the extension of bus service 21 and more shelters, benches and real-time information signs will be added to the bus stops. Another solution for the traffic problem could be a bike trial project. The council also hopes to improve the access to the railways stations in the area.

Cabinet councillor for transport Ian Davey said: “Lewes Road looks rather untidy in places, it can be frustrating and difficult to travel along and is also one of our worst streets for air pollution. We have some broad aims and now we want to canvass the views of local people to come up with a more detailed plan.”

Concrete plans will be presented next year, when other meetings with the public will be hold.

According to the council areas of Moulsecoomb, Bevendean and Coldean are suffering from high crime rates, unemployment and social deprivation.

Details of dates and venues of the roadshows:

Moulsecoomb Leisure Centre (bar area)

Sat 3 Dec, 10am-4pm

Bevendean Church Hall (Norwich Drive)

Thurs 8 Dec, 9am-4pm Fri 9 Dec, 2-8pm Sat 10 Dec, 10am-4pm