THE thought of Brighton streets being barren on beautifully warm spring days would have been an alien concept months ago.

But that is exactly what has been seen in the city in recent weeks as the Government urges people to “stay home and save lives” from the coronavirus crisis.

Social distancing guidelines designed to stop the spread of the illness urge people to only leave the house for essential items such as shopping for food or medication.

The Argus:

People are also allowed to take one short bout of daily exercise outside of their home, but are asked to stay at least two metres away from others not living with them in their household.

In the vast majority of areas of Brighton and Hove, this has been adhered to.

Today, a cut-out of her majesty, the Queen, peered out of the window of one house, giving her royal seal of approval to the lack of people pounding the street below.

Fittingly, the cut-out of the monarch had a face mask stretched across her mouth.

The Argus:

Elsewhere, a smattering of civilians strolled through Queen’s Road this morning with large spaces left between them.

While growing numbers on Brighton and Hove seafront have been an area of contention since the announcement of the lockdown, with police, councils and coastguard pleading with people to stay away and adhere to social distancing, city centre streets seemed to be quiet.

Posters on walls preached a message of goodwill in turbulent times, asking those striding past it to “be kind” and “look out for one another”.

The Argus:

Meanwhile a blooming Pavilion Gardens was tended to by a solitary council employee as a masked man held his arms aloft while cycling through the greenery.

An announcement from Brighton and Hove City Council late last month warned visitors to the city that they would be turned away as authorities sought to contain the threat of coronavirus.

Police officers have been placed at Brighton Station ever since, with one policeman patrolling at the gates today.

The Argus:

But the site’s platforms were devoid of passengers and the concourse lay empty.

The only evidence of any congregation captured was a group of moped riders in West Streets.

The Argus:

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund