Calls to strip Brighton and Hove's street clutter to make it UK's most walkable city

This is just one of the suggestions by the Living Streets charity which met last month to discuss ways to improve the city for pedestrians.

More control over privately owned “public” spaces like Brighton Marina to give a better environment for pedestrians and improve around the clock access to future major developments similar to Churchill Square would also improve the city for walkers.

The ideas were discussed at a workshop held by the charity which also argued that parking on pavements should be made illegal and commercial rubbish bins should be moved off pavements.

Other ideas outlined in the 19-page document published following the workshop include the idea of rain shelters on main pedestrian routes, more drinking fountains and more public toilets.

The plans are also designed to make life safer for pedestrians with the removal of all “cattle pen” crossings in the middle of roads to be replaced with pedestrian crossings where people can cross in one go.

Some of the group’s proposals may sit uncomfortably with motorists, with proposals that the city should have a 20mph limit on all residential roads and that street lighting should illuminate pavements rather than roads.

The group have also suggested that retailers should be reminded of the importance of pedestrians and stop café tables and advertising signs blocking up pavements.

Last week The Argus revealed that the number of pavements requiring maintenance by the city council had jumped by a quarter in just 12 months.

Stephen Young, the chair of Living Streets Brighton and Hove, said: “A walking friendly city is a city where people select walking as their preferred choice of travel for health and to relax.

“This means well-maintained footpaths and the provision of seating, landscaping and public toilets, which make the public realm a more comfortable place to be.”

Anyone interested in the campaign can email livingstreetsbandh@ gmail.com .