TODAY sees a revolution in central Hove with the pedestrianisation of the town's busiest shopping street.

After years of wrangling, George Street will be closed to traffic between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, for at least 18 months. Brighton and Hove Council is promising a carnival atmosphere with street entertainment including clowns and musicians from midday to 2pm today and tomorrow, and 11am to 3pm on Saturday. Hove MP Ivor Caplin, who has campaigned for pedestrianisation for years, said: "This is an historic day for George Street and represents the start of a new era for Hove town centre. "I have every confidence that local residents will turn out in force to support George Street now it is free of cars, lorries and fumes. Elderly people and families without access to cars are the real winners. "I would urge local people to leave the car at home if possible and visit George Street by bus, cycle, or on foot. Then we can make George Street a real street for the feet!" Many traders believe the nearby Malvern Street car park should have been extended to cater for drivers who are now unable to park in George Street itself. Some retailers are also worried that cars parked in the one-way street before 10am can leave after that time. Disabled badge holders are able to stay for up to three hours, meaning those parking just before 10am can still be there legally just before 1pm. Other cars are limited to one hour, leaving legally just before 11am. Robert Mollart, manager of Importers coffee shop, George Street, said the regulations meant disabled people would be able to shop at a reasonable time. But he added: "It's going to be a hazard if people are eating or drinking at tables when cars are still moving around. If there's an accident, they are going to have to reassess the situation. "I believe it's a half-baked scheme - you've either got a pedestrian zone or you haven't. But we're going to give it a chance and see what happens." For years, traders, shoppers, residents and councillors have debated whether to pedestrianise George Street, sparking acrimonious exchanges between supporters and opponents of the idea. Coun Simon Battle, whose Vallance Ward includes George Street, said today: "I hope we can put all the argy-bargy behind us and make the most of the new clean, green George Street."

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