A councillor has called for the community to support local businesses amid a row over the introduction of a new red route.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s new red route along Western Road, Hove, went live this week after nearly two years of proposals, consultation and debate.
The reopening of the road after extensive repair work was delayed by a few days following protests during the painting of lines, including loading bays and disabled bays.
Several business owners along the stretch of the busy shopping street, between Montpelier Road and Holland Road, had campaigned against the project.
Labour councillor Andrei Czolak, who represents Brunswick and Adelaide ward, was prompted to urge people to support businesses after seeing comments on social media from people saying that they would boycott businesses that opposed the scheme.
Councillor Czolak said: “The red route has clearly proved a contentious issue, with varying views on both sides, but one of the comments I really did have an issue with.
“Someone saying they won’t be visiting the shops who protested the proposal. Someone else, recently mentioned they knew of others doing the same. Everyone is entitled to their views, but I cannot reiterate how wrong that is.
“I may not have agreed with the fears that some have raised about the effect of the proposal on local businesses but I absolutely recognise where it comes from.
“Now, I appreciate this fortunately will only apply to a very small minority who were minded to do so and I’m glad to have seen comments elsewhere stating the opposite.
“But I’ll say it anyway. We are very lucky to live in a city that has such a unique and diverse offering of small independent businesses.
“Regardless of whether their view on this matter differed to yours, they are still brilliant businesses, run by brilliant people who are trying to navigate the same issues the rest of us are. Keep shopping locally.”
Now the red route is open, camera enforcement has started under an “experimental traffic regulation order” and changes can be made quickly during the first six months of operation.
