Having been in New Road twice recently, I am so disappointed that all the money spent on its refurbishment seems to have been wasted.

What should be one of Brighton’s most pleasant streets is nothing more than a rat-run for taxis and and a hang-out for down-and-outs.

Last Saturday I saw an endless stream of taxis cutting through – not stopping to pick anyone up or drop off, just driving through. One visitor actually stopped a taxi to tell him to slow down and was met with abuse. It’s crazy that this street isn’t closed to traffic at the weekend, like the others in the surrounding area.

The wooden seating has fallen into disrepair and isn’t being cleaned. There was debris and litter strewn all over and beggars causing a nuisance. The paramedics had to be called at one point to one of them. I felt embarrassed for the tourists. I dread to think the poor impression anyone walking along New Road on their way to a wedding at the Pavilion would get. This is a real shame for the city as with a little effort this could be a charming and pleasant area.

In addition, the cafe in the Pavilion gardens was closed. What a missed opportunity – the only cafe facing the Pavilion on an August Saturday afternoon.

Is there no one at Brighton and Hove City Council with any any inclination to try to attract visitors? Clearly not.

Mark Howard
Cornford Close, Portslade