THE mods and rockers – infamous rival groups – have put their differences aside to take on a joint enemy... Brighton and Hove City Council.

Decades ago, groups of the warring factions would battle each other on Madeira Drive using fists and deckchairs.

But now, the mods and rockers have joined forces to take on the council as it debates keeping the road for the group’s much-loved motorbikes.

The Argus:

Ollie Wilson, the man behind Reopen Madeira Drive, held an event in the road on Sunday, which saw group members young and old ride down to express their support.

Mr Wilson said: “In 1964, the mods and rockers fought the battle for Madeira Drive.

“In this battle for Madeira Drive, the mods and rockers are united against the council.”

About 150 gathered in the rain in Madeira Drive to hear speeches about the fight to reopen the road and reminisce on battles in days gone by.

The Argus:

They were even joined by Quadrophenia author Simon Wells.

Mr Wilson, from the South Coast Mods, said: “It was absolutely amazing, the weather wasn’t as good as we hoped, but lots of rockers roared up on their enormous motorbikes.”

Brighton and Hove City Council closed the road - the setting of the The Who musical Quadrophenia and the battle between the scooter and motorcycle gangs - during the Covid-19 lockdown to provide more outdoor space for residents to exercise and while traffic levels were reduced.

The Argus:

The local authority is now considering keeping the road permanently closed, with special events such as the Veteran Car Run being allowed to take place, with a final decision set to be made in the autumn.

The proposal has angered both Mods and Rockers who united for the demonstration today.

Laura King, of the Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission, said: "It is absolute madness that the council has closed a road that brings in millions of pounds into the economy at a time when we are entering a recession.

The Argus:

"There are 35 traders who are on rent strike with the council as they are normally only allowed to close it for 21 days.

"The road was not closed lawfully, it was closed with no notice, it was meant to be temporary but there is no end to temporary.

"The road also has plenty of dedicated cycling space, it's a very wide road and cyclists are still using the cycle way so you never see anyone walking or cycling on the road."

The Argus:

Ms King added that the council had not carried out emission tests and had not presented an environmental argument for targeting Madeira Drive.

More than 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for the road to be reopened which will be presented to the council later this month.