ANTI-COUNCIL protesters gathered outside Hove Town Hall to voice their anger at road layout changes and the way the council is being managed.

The group of about 50 demonstrators held signs calling for the cycle lanes to be removed as they listened to speakers who are furious with Brighton and Hove City Council.

Starting at about 1pm, campaigner Laura King spoke over the microphone to blast councillors over the changes to the cities roads.

Last year, temporary cycle lanes were introduced on the A259 and Old Shoreham Road. Madeira Drive was pedestrianised, before later being opened one-way.

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Ms King said: "Like most people, I am a cyclist myself as well as a walker and a driver so I see transporting issues from all angles.

"I do not consent to this deliberate road chaos which creates division between road users and is not safe, environmentally sustainable, or efficient.

"Aside from visitors and the disabled losing many of their parking spaces on the seafront and Madeira Drive, increasing numbers of contractors now regard the city centre and historic lanes as a 'no-go area'."

Among the protesters listening to the speech was Jon Robinson from ASL Locksmiths.

Anti-council protesters gather outside Hove Town Hall

Anti-council protesters gather outside Hove Town Hall

Mr Robinson has lived in the city all his life and has been a self-employed locksmith for five years.

He said: "I'm a 100 per cent born-and-bred Brightonian and I've never seen the roads this bad, Madeira Drive is like a warzone.

"I'm pro-green, I'm pro-save-the-planet, but there are ways to go about this as the changes are causing nothing but carnage.

"I'm having to turn down jobs in The Lanes as I've got heavy tools and have to make frequent trips to and from the van.

"There's a financial impact, I'm turning down people who are living in heavily-congested areas and I'm doing fewer jobs during the working day as it takes more time to get around."

Anti-council protesters gather outside Hove Town Hall

Anti-council protesters gather outside Hove Town Hall

A much-anticipated survey asking for views on “significant changes” to the city’s streets went live earlier this year.

The survey asked residents to express views on current, “temporary” changes, as well as future changes.

The results are due to be revealed shortly.

The measures were funded by Government cash to reallocate road space amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Brighton and Hove City Council was contacted for comment.

Conservative councillor Robert Nemeth said: "Conservatives on the council, like most residents, are firmly of the view that there are huge questions to answer on the subjects of competency, efficiency, democracy and accountability."