I thought I knew Brighton.

Moving here more than five years ago, I thought I’d been down every nook, crannie and twittern there was.

I thought I knew the best places to eat, the best places to drink and the best places to get away from it all.

But in recent days I’ve been made aware of a group that quietly goes about its own business in teaching dozens of youngsters vital skills.

The Brighton Sea Cadets was formed 70 years ago.

After leading a rather nomadic life, it eventually settled into headquarters just off Lewes Road.

And now, decades on, a team of volunteers continue to school youngsters aged from ten to 18 about ways of the sea, teaching discipline, respect and other important life lessons along the way.

It also helps the city’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations, firing a gun salute at the right moment so we can all pay our respects to previous generations.

Despite living a few hundred yards away from their Brewer Street HQ, it was by chance that I stumbled on what should be one of the city’s success stories.

That’s because it is on the verge of closing.

The reason? Well, it all boils down to parking.

In December restrictions were rolled out in the area between Lewes Road and Upper Lewes Road, known as the Triangle.

The idea was to ensure that residents could park near their own homes.

So white lines have been drawn with the majority of the streets now resident only bays and a few pay and display spots for those who are temporarily visiting.

The fact that there is a £120 charge for an annual permit per resident was obviously to subsidise the whole process of sending out a few letters, a bit of white paint and putting up a few posts.

Obviously.

As a result it meant that those who did not have a home in the area could no longer park nearby.

This includes charitable organisations who rely on volunteers, such as the Sea Cadets.

Wanting to uphold its good name and to support those who come from across the county voluntarily to keep it running, the charitable group decided to subsidise the parking costs.

But only three months in, it’s starting to bite - with the annual bill set to reach £2,500.

Those in charge – who have given their lives to making sure the group runs for the benefit of youngsters across the city – say if it continues, they’re in danger of folding.

So a request was made to the council for day permits to lift the strain.

The response, from lead transport councillor Ian Davey, is worth quoting verbatim.

“I do understand the difficulties that you face but schemes such as these have been in operation in the city for many years and other organisations have adapted accordingly.

“I understand that it may be difficult for some but the Lewes Road does have excellent public transport links to the rest of the city.”

So there we have it – a group that has benefited the city for decades should simply “adapt”.

To translate, literally “get on your bike”.

Coun Davey did say the issue of providing voluntary groups some form of subsidy would be looked at as part of the city’s annual parking review.

But that isn’t due until October with any decision not implemented until months after that.

By that point the Sea Cadets will be up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

All because they are trying to play by the rules. They are not the only ones.

Museums, youth groups, charities, big businesses – I have dealt with a plethora of organisations across the city in recent years who are either losing money or simply forced to move out because of the ‘p’ word.

At a recent council meeting, Labour councillor Alan Robins – who works in the paint trade – revealed that he can pay more than £20 a day in parking costs across the city.

With as many as six visits in a day and tariffs of £3.50 an hour, it can soon tot up.

The response from the Green side was “get a business permit”.

But such a response shows a complete misunderstanding of the rules, which restricts such an honour to two cars per firm.

Hardly helpful to anyone aside from a small start up or self-employed worker.

I myself have had similar issues when going out covering stories.

When you are travelling quite large distances and time is of the essence, the bus or a bike simply isn’t an option.

And now the council wants to get us all to pay to park by phone, charging a 10p “handling fee” in the process.

Kerrrrching.

What about those who have no phone?

What about tourists who may not have a UK signal?

What about older people who might fear it’s all a con?

Herein lies my point: the current parking policy of the city is set up with no common sense and with the sole aim to raise as much money as possible.

It’s wrong.

In fact it’s worse than wrong, it’s plain stupid.

I started this piece by saying that I thought I knew Brighton.

Well one thing I have learned is that playing by the rules is not in this city’s rulebook.

Why do people continue to play by the council’s game of car parking monopoly?

I for one am bored of this masochistic game.

It’s time for the people of Brighton and Hove to adopt the rebellious streak that our city is known for across the country.

Why should we continue to obey the rules and pay for parking?

A fine is £35 - just a little more than what it costs to park in some areas of the city for 24 hours.

And if you get a green envelope on your window then appeal it.

There are not enough wardens to issue tickets to everyone. And there are certainly not enough people in the parking team to deal with 20,000 appeals every day.

Let’s be rule breakers. As it’s only then that this messy, illogical, unfair system will be changed.

Yes, we all have a duty to respect our city and see it flourish now and in the future.

But you don’t do that by forcing groups to close, burning a hole in hard working people’s pockets or simply pushing them away all together.

Paying tribute

Last week came the sad news of the passing of one of Brighton’s true entertainers.

Brian Ralfe died of a suspected heart attack while on holiday.

From stage shows to serving in wars, chasing the political dream to charitable givings - he gave his life to Brighton.

A true character, he had many friends - and I only hope that the man who helped put so much colour into our city is not forgotten in a hurry.