Some residents have complained that they are not sure whether they will be able to come and go from their homes during the Pride Street Party on Saturday (1 August).
The claim was made by Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats who called on Brighton and Hove City Council and Pride CiC to engage with residents and businesses around Kemp Town.
And the council issued a reminder that St James’s Street will be open to pedestrians on Saturday night but closed to vehicles.
The Lib Dems said that with various changes in place from last year, residents and businesses were not being kept updated and were furious that they were being told nothing with only a few days to go before the Pride weekend.
The party said: “Many residents have still not heard from Pride CiC regarding access to homes in and around the ticketed footprint.”
They added that many residents had told them that, despite emailing numerous times over the past few weeks, they were still none the wiser and had not had a response.
And despite Kemp Town Lib Dem activist Robert Brown calling for a Pride engagement meeting a few weeks ago, the council had failed to respond or schedule one in, the party said.
Mr Brown said: “Yet again it is disrespectful to residents and businesses as they are left with many questions still unanswered.”
Brighton and Hove Pride said: “Residents near the Pride Street Party have been sent letters about the event.
“Residents within the Pride Street Party footprint are entitled to free wristbands to the event to access their homes.
“We are arranging the distribution of wristbands to these residents as a priority.
“Residents in the southern side streets between St James’s Street and Marine Parade have access to their homes at any time, without needing to enter the event site, but are entitled to a discounted wristband if they wish to attend the event.
“Security will be in position at the top of the road closures to do resident checks to ensure people aren’t causing issues for residents.”
Labour councillor David McGregor, the council’s cabinet member for economy, culture, heritage and tourism, said: “We can confirm that no resident of the side streets off St James’s Street will need to pay to access their homes over the Pride weekend.
“We are working very closely with Pride on managing access to the street party in Marine Parade.
“Visitors may be asked where they are headed to pick up anyone trying to access the event illegally and stop people gathering in residential streets and causing a nuisance.
“Following our consultation with residents in 2024, St James’s Street remains outside of the Pride area and will have no outside bars or music over the weekend.
“But venues will be open as usual and the street will be closed to vehicular traffic to ensure it’s a safe area for people to walk around.”
Surely they must and will be allowed unhindered access from and to their homes. It would be outrageous if this were otherwise.
Try living in Preston Park, specifically Grange Close. Extended periods during Pride where no vehicle movements are permitted whatsoever. I know two 85y olds, one with severe dementure who were returning home last year with their daughter and were refused entry by police because they were a security risk. Two+ hours of waiting outside the cordon for a buggy to come and picke them up and take them home. The daugher wasnt allowed to go with them as she wasnt a resident. There are numerous stories such as thins, including friends of mine who were unable to gain access to their flat because of people blocking the entrances. How abput yyour property being used as a toilet? Complaints are sent in year after year. Pride and the Council promise to address them and the very next year, the same issues happen. Enough is enough – residents are fed up of having their freedom of movement and even their basic human rights such as being able to sleep prevented. Pride should be INCLUSIVE, yet it EXCLUDES and alienates a large number of people each and every year.
I highly doubt that a person with dementia was refused their carer.
Thats pretty bad that they didnt give them more notice. When you move into a property in that area noone tells you that there will be a significant event on your doorstep, which you will likely need to go on holiday to get away from, if you want to sleep. Thats not to mention the bodily fluids on your doorstep and ridiculous cost in rent or to buy in the first place.
One would hope a person has the insight to do their research into a new area, and personal incredulity is a them problem…but yes, it’s a pretty important thing to consider moving into that area.
Why is it not held on the beach ??? Madness they pull down “on the beach” days before pride starts the annual traffic nightmare!
Even better just put Preston park event on Hove Lawns and add the whole pride thing on there-so easy to police then and access for ambulances etc.
But hey this is Brighton council-not the brightest.
Been a MASSIVE lack of information this year, plus i had issues with my tickets AXS the ticket operator relies on a AI chat to sort problems out. No call center even though they charge a large ticket handling fee.
This year since they moved the Street party due to new terror laws(even though last year they created a easy target by wanting to leave St James Street open to traffic which had to be closed anyway due to crowds) most of my friends are going to St James Street as the road is closed this year and they can’t afford Preston Park music festival or the high prices at the corporate Street party.
Its probably time to move the Street party to a area like Black Rock so our local venues can claim Pride back.
So despite all the criticisms and despite what has transpired, the whole thing is managed perfectly and we don’t need to worry our little heads about anything at all. Isn’t that great!