Simon Burgess - Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

Community news and events

Equality Walk

2nd May 2010 - Simon took part in the Brighton Equality Walk for the fifth (or possibly sixth, he's lost count) time this year. "It is always a pleasure to take part, walking round the city in good company helping raise money to tackle prejudice and discrimination. I have often been the only politician to take part so it was good to see many more taking part this time, I will work with any politician who is serious about taking...
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American Express development update

28th April 2010 - The second residents liaison meeting was held at Carlton Hill, Simon has attended both meetings but sadly none of the other parliamentary candidates have, and at this meeting none of the local councillors were present. "I am really pleased to see residents taking control of the agenda at the meetings. They are determined to hold AMEX, the developers, utility providers, the council and politicians to account for the impact of this development, that has to be...
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Lunch Positive

23rd April 2010 - Simon was invited to visit Lunch Positive which is held weekly in Dorset Gardens. "I had heard about their good work and it was lovely to be asked to visit. I was deeply impressed by the relaxed informal atmosphere where people who are HIV+ can get together and share experiences and just be around those who are going through the same things. It all happens on shoestring but provides invaluable mutual support and a great meal...
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Labour investment in play

22nd April 2010 - 13 improved play areas will be opened this weekend in the city as part of the My Play Space project. The Labour government awarded the city £1.1 million to improve play spaces. Simon said; "I will be taking my son along to the Queen's Park egg/treasure hunt on Sunday, he has been giving me a running commentary on the changes in the park as they are built, I know he is keen to test it all...
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Mr. Bevendean MBE

18th April 2010 - "It was a privilege to be invited by Robert Brown (known by some as Mr. Bevendean) to attend his MBE ceremony which he chose to have in Bevendean rather than at Buckingham Palace. He has been clear that he felt the award was for his community as a whole and he should receive it with his community. The ceremony and celebration were packed and Robert entertained us all with his humility and humour." "I had organised...
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Prescott in George Street

15th April 2010 - Simon invited John Prescott to George Street and St. James's Street to meet local residents and traders. "He had a cuppa in the Tea Cosy, he pulled a pint in the King's Head and went for walkabout in George Street and the bottom of St.James's Street. He was great, chatting to everyone he met, I would have loved to have taken him further round the area but so many people wanted to speak to him that...
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Sponsored Walk for the Orphans of Haiti

11th April 2010 - Brighton Muslim children took a Sunday morning out to raise money for Haiti orphans proving faith is far from a barrier to compassion. Simon and Hove MP Celia Barlow were delighted to show their support for the event. "It was lovely to see the enthusiasm of the children to help others, they are a shining example of how we should all take the time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. "Particularly In...
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Inside the Pepperpot

7th April 2010 - Simon; "The Queen's Park clean up morning was an opportunity to do something for the local environment whilst keeping my son entertained during the school holidays. We did a lot of litter picking around the Pepperpot, including a saucepan with an unwanted dinner in it?! It was also a rare opportunity to see inside the Pepperpot. The community campaign to bring it back into use is very welcome. The space is tight and limited but it...
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American Express development

31st March 2010 - Simon attended the first of the residents forums which were set up as a condition of the planning consent granted by the council. One of the many suggestions that Simon and Des had lobbied for, see letter from Des to planning below. "It was good to see this meeting happen but as soon as everyone started to get into the detail there were a number of disappointments uncovered. Though the council had made these meetings...
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Whitehawk FC

28th March 2010 - Whitehawk FC in the semi-finals of the FA Vase is something for local people to be proud of. Simon comments; "sadly I had to leave early but I needed to because I had pledged to be at the Saltdean Lido public meetings but it was good to see everyone rallying around the local team. Unfortunately the result was disappointing with Wroxham winning 2-0. All is not lost though and on Saturday April 3rd we should all...
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Every community should have one

17th March 2010 - The Crew Club Showcase is held each year to celebrate the achievements of the young people who use the superb facilities in Whitehawk that were mostly funded through the government New Deal for Communities funding for the area. Simon is a trustee of the club; "This year there was a serious message of challenging funding which could see the club run out of money this autumn. Sadly the city council turned down a vital funding bid...
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Improved hospital plans

15th March 2010 - The Royal Sussex County Hospital re-development liaison group was given a first showing of revised hospital re-development plans. Simon Burgess have delivered newsletters to local residents informing them of the meeting. Simon comments on the meeting; "It was good to see a reasonable turn out. I am pleased that the plans had changed significantly to address a number of residents concerns. Buildings lowered, moved further back from the roadside and a breaking up of buildings into...
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Save saltdean lido

11th March 2010 - Simon Burgess had urgently distributed a newsletter across Saltdean encouraging local residents to attend the very poorly advertised 'public exhibition' on proposals to re-develop the iconic Saltdean Lido. "I feared what the proposals might consist of but I had never imagined they would be so inappropriate. At the very least I had expected some swimming to remain on site, possibly undercover, but instead only 'wet play' is on offer- presumably just a few inches of water....
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Save our Guest Houses

10th March 2010 - Simon Burgess chaired the St.James's Area Local Action Team tonight at which the problems cause by the St.James's Street gas works were discussed. The works started ten days ago and are due to last three months. "There was understandable anger from guest house owners in Madeira Place who were not consulted or given more than a few days notice by the council or Southern Gas that buses would be diverted for three months down Madeira...
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Saltdean childcare

1st March 2010 - Boomerang Kids of Saltdean Barn held the official opening of their extension. Simon had recently invited and accompanied Helen and Mary to a reception at No.10 for 'Community Heroes', to mark the incredible work they have done in getting a much needed nursery open in what was a dilapidated but listed barn. "It is a wonderful building with so much old timber making for a warm caring environment. The staff are all deeply committed to...
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