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One of the original themed boutique hotels of Brighton is Sea Spray, a gorgeous hotel close to where it's all happening in the St James's Street area of the city and overlooking the iconic Pier and be...
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Street Party Update
Thursday, 10th April 08
On 6th February 2008 at The Village Pubwatch Michael Condon and Darren Hulcoop from The Aquarium Theatre Bar in Steine St volunteered their services to act as coordinators for this years Village Street Party. No other nominations were made. The following day both Michael and Darren met with a Senior Police Officer at Brighton Police Station and were tasked with drafting an Initial Proposal Plan for this years Street Party. Over the following 6 weeks, and realising the task in hand, Michael and Darren formed a Community Involvement Team – CIT – consisting of Ben Davie from The Amsterdam and Dean Holmes from The Bulldog. From the outset the CIT made it clear they would be a Non-Profit making organisation with a mandate of ensuring the Village Street Party would be planned and run as efficiently and safely as possible. The CIT meet weekly and also invite Jason Phillips and Judith Manson from Pride as well as PC Phil Smith, the Lead Planner for the Street Party from the Events and Planning Dept at Brighton Police Station, to also attend and assist in an advisory capacity.
The CIT quickly recognised the task ahead was huge for one person/organisation to run single-handedly and with this they sought the services of an Events Management Company. Alex Webb, from Triptych Events UK, based in Brighton, gave a good pitch to the team and his company’s services were sought. Triptych have previous experience at managing events around the UK and in particular in Kent where they annually manage “Lounge on the Farm” a weekend of concerts attended by some 3-4000 visitors. They have vital experience in the Planning process as well as having experience in working closely with Police and other Statutory Authorities.
On 19th March Michael, Darren and Alex attended Brighton Police Station where they presented the Initial Proposal for this years Street Party to all statutory authorities. The proposal also included representation for a full road closure on the Friday evening. This was requested due to the increasing numbers of visitors to the Street Party. Representation was made by Police Officers who were on duty at last years Street Party and despite recognising that every licensed premises was extremely busy it was only in one side street – Manchester St – that Police found excessive numbers “bottle necking” outside a venue. The CIT have now withdrawn their request for a road closure on the Friday but have asked that the Police and local authorities closely monitor the number of people on St James Street on the Friday night and highlight any safety issues that arise. A copy of the Initial Proposal is available on request via the CIT.
The CIT recognises the budget is something at the forefront of people’s minds. With this in mind the CIT have looked closely at last years accounts as well as the Debrief minutes so as to understand concerns raised by members of the community as well as those in authority.
We have now had it confirmed with the Local Authority that some roads will have barriers manned by stewards from Select Security on the Saturday and Sunday in Broad Street, Charles Street, George Street, Manchester Street, Margaret Street and Steine Street. The stewards will not permit access to or from these roads (except for residents) between 6pm Saturday 2nd and 4am Sunday 3rd, as well as between noon and 7pm on Sunday 3rd.
The CIT acknowledge the necessity for a significant increase in toilet facilities. Last year there were just 9 cubicles for the whole of the Street Party. This year the CIT propose to have three times that amount. It is proposed to situate toilets in Broad Street, Cavendish Street, Dorset Gardens and Steine Street.
Triptych have now visited every single premises on “The Scene” and are in continuous dialogue with Police, The Highways Department at the Council as well as St John Ambulance and Select Security.
As previously stated the CIT is a Non-Profit making organisation and over the coming weeks members of the CIT will be visiting all business premises in and around the St James Street area requesting financial contributions to pay for this years Street Party. The CIT will be asking for similar contributions to last year. The CIT ask that all donations be made payable by cheque to The Street Party 2008. Furthermore the CIT recognise there is a possibility that once all the money has been raised that some money could be left over.
Should this be the case the CIT propose to let all those making a financial contribution to the running of the Village Street Party have a vote – one which mirrors their contribution – as to what happens to any excess funds, if any. One thought is to leave the money in the account and to roll over to next year. An alternative might be a single contribution to one or several charities. It has been asked by some that this vote take place prior to this years Street Party. The CIT acknowledge this is a fair request however, we MUST raise the necessary funds first so as to pay for this years Street Party PRIOR to any decision as to excess amounts that may or may not exist. Therefore the CIT wish to emphasise that NO DECISION has been made with regards to contributions and this will ONLY be done so at the conclusion of the Street Party. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated.
The CIT wish it be known that anyone from the community may have sight to the accounts at any time on request. The CIT is determined to be as open and transparent as possible with the sole intention of coordinating a safe and enjoyable Street Party for everyone in the community.
Finally, the CIT have accepted the resignation of Darren Hulcoop who has stood down due to personal reasons. Ben Davie has replaced Darren as Vice Chair. The CIT welcome Donna Rhodes as Treasurer and Luke Holloran and Billie Lewis as an active CIT member.
The CIT are next due to meet with the Council and other Statutory Authorities on 17th April and again on 1st May. The outcome of these meetings will be made known in next months issue. Should you have any queries concerning the Street Party please contact Michael at The Aquarium on 605525 or
OR Ben at The Amsterdam on 688825 or
.
| Your community involvement team! | 5 June 2008 |
| Full speed ahead for the Street Party! | 5 June 2008 |
| Street Party Update | 10 April 2008 |
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