Barriers have been installed on the footpath along the seafront on Kings Road, Brighton, near the Odeon cinema and close to Shelter Hall, prompting concerns about pedestrian safety. The section of the footpath in question has been cordoned off for repair works, forcing pedestrians to walk within the adjacent cycle lane.
Brighton & Hove City Council has acknowledged the situation, explaining that the repairs are necessary due to the poor condition of the footpath opposite the Odeon. The council stated that the work is complex and needs to be coordinated with other planned projects in the area to minimise disruption. They have also announced plans to review the current arrangements in response to public feedback, especially with the ongoing heatwave likely to increase the number of visitors.
Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Parking, Transport and Public Realm, said: “This stretch of seafront is very much our shop window and as such, we appreciate how important it is for work to be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible. There is, unfortunately, a section of footpath opposite The Odeon which is in need of repair. This is complicated work which will need to be done alongside other planned work in the area to reduce the impact any partial road closure will have on residents and visitors.”
He added, “As soon as we have a detailed schedule for this work, we will let residents know and put signs in place to make it clear to visitors. In the meantime, barriers are in place, but following feedback, and with the hot weather likely to bring additional crowds to this part of the seafront, we will be reviewing the current arrangements. The safety of residents and visitors will always be our main priority. We will revisit this site to make sure there is adequate signage in both directions for pedestrians and cyclists and regularly review the situation until the work is complete.”
However, there have been critical responses from local officials and residents. Steve Davis, a Green Party councillor in Brighton, described the setup as a “recipe for disaster,” highlighting safety concerns. Speaking to The Argus, Cllr Davis said: “This stretch of cycle lane has never conformed to the Government standard LTN-120 set five years ago and is clearly a danger to all using it with the current changes. It also now falls short of the Government’s ‘Inclusive Mobility’ document from 2021 and as the warm weather continues and the visitor numbers rise, this location is a recipe for disaster.”
He referenced a previous instance when a nearby traffic lane was closed due to the Albion Hotel fire and demolition, saying, “with good management the sky didn’t fall in, and I urge the Labour administration to act and make this location safe for all before a serious accident occurs. Given it has been two years since the administration withdrew plans for the A259 active scheme however I won’t hold my breath.”
A concerned local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared their experience of walking along the seafront last weekend: “There are no signs to warn anyone and all of a sudden these barriers move the pedestrians into the middle of the bike lane. It’s potentially really dangerous. When I was there most of the pedestrians didn’t have a clue that they’d walked into a bike lane. The cyclists were slowing down and ringing their bells but the pedestrians were completely oblivious. They need to sort it out because it’ll only get worse when the sun brings more tourists to the seafront.”
The city council has emphasised its commitment to resolving the safety issues. Councillor Muten confirmed that clear signage for both pedestrians and cyclists will be installed and that the situation will be kept under regular review until the repair work is completed.
The Argus is reporting that the barriers remain in place as the council works to balance necessary maintenance with the safety of the increased numbers of visitors attracted to the Brighton seafront during the warmer months.
Source: Noah Wire Services