A council hopeful has pledged his support to the fight against plans for a Tesco on the site of the Lewes Road Community Garden.
Tom French, who will stand for Labour in the by-election for a St Peter’s and North Laine seat on Brighton and Hove City Council on July 8, said the city should cherish community spaces like the mini-park.
He said: “Community space have always been vital to maintaining the character of our city and the council should cherish and improve these green spaces instead of demolishing them.”
The Community Garden was first set up on a long-derelict Esso garage forecourt by “guerrilla” gardeners last year and has been well used by local residents who have beautified it with plants, flowers and seating and artwork.
However it emerged before Christmas that planning permission for flats and shops had already been granted and Tesco was set to move in.
The developers have signalled their intention to seize back the site but gardeners have pledged to block it however they can.
Mr French is hoping to win the council seat of former Green councillor Keith Taylor, who championed the community garden, after he stepped down to become a Member of the European Parliament.
