Summit to discuss London Road in Brighton

5:09pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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A top level summit will be held to create a masterplan to drive drug addicts and vagrants from a shopping area.

Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police chiefs have asked for a meeting with the newly formed London Road Traders' Association.

On Tuesday, The Argus reported how business owners and residents said the road had become overrun by heroin users, shoplifters and alcoholics.

More than 30 traders have signed up to the group in an attempt to clean up the once prosperous shopping area, urging the authorities to take action.

Council leader Mary Mears, who will chair the meeting, said: “I share the concerns of businessmen and women in London Road, who should not have to put up with violence, drug-taking, antisocial drinking or any criminal activity.

“And I can promise traders and residents here and now that there is no question of the council or the police ignoring this issue.

“I am making it a priority for this council to work with the police and local people to reduce significantly the social problems in London Road but I can only do that by talking to business people to find out exactly what the problems are.

“There are important initiatives in the pipeline to tackle this issue but I understand the need for immediate action.

“I am confident that, together and through a mixture of tackling the root causes and tough enforcement, we can address this blight on the area by coming up with a clear strategy and action plan.”

Coun Mears has sent a letter to the London Road Traders’ Association and Sussex Police inviting them to talks next week although a date and venue have not been confirmed.

Joy Flowers, who has set up the traders’ association, said: “Of course I’m pleased because it’s a good start.

“But we will wait and see what happens because a few days of police presence isn’t enough, we need long term action.

“Already we have seen police officers have popped up on the street and the green by St Peter’s Church is completely empty, instead of being full drunks and addicts.”

What is the answer to the problems in London Road?

Now you have the chance to ask Brighton Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor and Brighton and Hove City Council leader Mary Mears in our Friday Inquisition series.

The police and council chief will answer questions live online at theargus.co.uk from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Friday.

To get involved, visit this website and click on The Friday Inquisition link.