A PETITION calling for a ban on cars in a busy city centre is nearing its close.

The campaign to pedestrianise St James’s Street in Brighton, which was started by Adam Mason, has been signed 261 times.

It will close on October 23 and will later be presented to the city council.

In it he states: “Over the years residents, businesses and visitors have raised concerns that St James’s Street has become a dirty, unsafe and unwelcoming area of Brighton with a bad reputation.”

In August The Argus reported that traders in the area had voiced their support for the idea of pedestrianising the area with cafe owner Klajdi Hida saying “it would be just perfect”.

The idea was also given a vote of confidence by Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown Lloyd Russell-Moyle.

Several residents contacted The Argus to say they did not approve of the plans.

The petition states: “Making the street traffic-free would create more of a cafe culture and enhance the appearance of the street.

“A traffic-free street would also facilitate the creation of permanent art installations associated with the community like the recently suggested ‘rainbow crossing’ or a ‘Rainbow Road’ like the one created in Iceland.

“Closure of the street would also facilitate events such as the annual Pride Street Party.”

It urged Brighton and Hove City Council to consider this.

The petition will be presented to the full council on October 24.