Brighton and Hove LDR - Sarah Booker-Lewis
@bhdemocracynews.bsky.social
#Brighton and #Hove award winning #LDreporter covering @brighton-hove.gov.uk for @bhcitynews.bsky.social, BBC, @brightonargus.bsky.social, @SussexWorld.bsky.social, @ghrnews.bsky.social & More Radio
LDR of the year 2025
[email protected]
LDR of the year 2025
[email protected]
Pinned
Local Democracy Reporting Service
The Local Democracy Reporting Service created up to 165 new journalism jobs to help fill a gap in the reporting of local democracy issues across the UK.
www.bbc.co.uk
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has reporters covering councils and democratically accountable organisations for news organisations in their region.
Sarah Booker-Lewis reports on #Brighton and #Hove City Council
Find out more about the service and its partners www.bbc.co.uk/lnp/ldrs
Sarah Booker-Lewis reports on #Brighton and #Hove City Council
Find out more about the service and its partners www.bbc.co.uk/lnp/ldrs
Wow, I've been shortlisted as Specialist Journalist of the Year at the #RegionalPressAwards 2026
What a year it has been after winning Local Democracy Reporter of the Year 2025 #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
What a year it has been after winning Local Democracy Reporter of the Year 2025 #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 15, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Wow, I've been shortlisted as Specialist Journalist of the Year at the #RegionalPressAwards 2026
What a year it has been after winning Local Democracy Reporter of the Year 2025 #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
What a year it has been after winning Local Democracy Reporter of the Year 2025 #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Library closure vote approved as cabinet member says council budget is "running on fumes" #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Plans to close two Brighton and Hove libraries approved by council
Brighton & Hove City Council says it is facing a challenging financial situation.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Library closure vote approved as cabinet member says council budget is "running on fumes" #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Repairs backlog down by three quarters as council looks to survey all its homes in a bid to reverse "serious failings" #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/2...
£2m agreed for council home survey
The council is spending £2 million on a survey of its housing stock as it continues to reverse "serious failings"
www.brightonandhovenews.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Repairs backlog down by three quarters as council looks to survey all its homes in a bid to reverse "serious failings" #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/2...
Hairdresser secures alcohol licence for wine by the glass sales but not bottles to take away #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/h...
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/h...
Hairdresser can sell his clients wine by the glass
A hairdresser has won the right to serve his clients wine - but cannot sell bottles to take away. Jonathan
www.brightonandhovenews.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Hairdresser secures alcohol licence for wine by the glass sales but not bottles to take away #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/h...
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/12/h...
Friday 12 December headlines for #Brighton and #Hove from #LDreporter
#TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNgV1Wn/
#TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNgV1Wn/
TikTok - Make Your Day
vm.tiktok.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Friday 12 December headlines for #Brighton and #Hove from #LDreporter
#TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNgV1Wn/
#TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNgV1Wn/
Application in to demolish former King Alfred bowling alley to make way for new leisure centre #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568976...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568976...
December 12, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Application in to demolish former King Alfred bowling alley to make way for new leisure centre #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568976...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568976...
Libraries closures voted through as council looks to find ways to use volunteers to keep books in the community #Ldreporter #Brighton www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/l...
Library closures voted through
Two libraries will close but work to set up volunteer run services will continue, a senior councillor has confirmed. Brighton
www.brightonandhovenews.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Libraries closures voted through as council looks to find ways to use volunteers to keep books in the community #Ldreporter #Brighton www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/l...
Chicken shop's New Year's Eve late licence bid faces opposition over Pride breach #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/c...
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/c...
Chicken shop’s Pride porkies could thwart New Year opening plans
A Brighton chicken shop which wants to open until 5am on New Year's Eve may not get permission after it
www.brightonandhovenews.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Chicken shop's New Year's Eve late licence bid faces opposition over Pride breach #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/c...
www.brightonandhovenews.org/2025/12/11/c...
Libraries up now with Cllr Robins presenting the report. It's been a difficult time, in all his years as a councillor he has never found anything as difficult as this. He has been awake at night worrying about libraries. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Libraries up now with Cllr Robins presenting the report. It's been a difficult time, in all his years as a councillor he has never found anything as difficult as this. He has been awake at night worrying about libraries. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Green councillor Sue Shanks says useage at branch libraries has reduced because the hours are cut. There's just a small amount of money being saved. Opposition, residents and Labour councillors are not listen to. This will be going on this administation's record #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Green councillor Sue Shanks says useage at branch libraries has reduced because the hours are cut. There's just a small amount of money being saved. Opposition, residents and Labour councillors are not listen to. This will be going on this administation's record #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Kerry Pickett asks the library service is currently rewriting its current strategy regarding services why can’t the proposed closures wait until this strategy is complete?
Cllr Robins says the actions need to be taken rapidly #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins says the actions need to be taken rapidly #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Cllr Kerry Pickett asks the library service is currently rewriting its current strategy regarding services why can’t the proposed closures wait until this strategy is complete?
Cllr Robins says the actions need to be taken rapidly #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins says the actions need to be taken rapidly #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Sue Shanks asks why the cabinet has ignored the overview and scrutiny committee recommendations not to close the libraries or reduce opening hours of the main libraries.
Cllr Robins said the committee's concerns were taken into consideration. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins said the committee's concerns were taken into consideration. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Cllr Sue Shanks asks why the cabinet has ignored the overview and scrutiny committee recommendations not to close the libraries or reduce opening hours of the main libraries.
Cllr Robins said the committee's concerns were taken into consideration. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins said the committee's concerns were taken into consideration. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Fishleigh asks about #Rottingdean High Street. Previous studies have identified the High Street is a problem area so why is it being excluded in this report for measures to address the issues there? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Cllr Fishleigh asks about #Rottingdean High Street. Previous studies have identified the High Street is a problem area so why is it being excluded in this report for measures to address the issues there? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Fishleigh asks We never received a breakdown of how BHCC came up with the figure of £25k to run #Rottingdean library. Now that figure has increased to £40k. Please would you provide a breakdown of this. #Brighton #Hove #LDreporter
December 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Cllr Fishleigh asks We never received a breakdown of how BHCC came up with the figure of £25k to run #Rottingdean library. Now that figure has increased to £40k. Please would you provide a breakdown of this. #Brighton #Hove #LDreporter
There is no realistic future for this building. What is the factor for the costs of this building sitting empty?
Cllr Robins said there will be discussion with the school and other opportunities explored #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins said there will be discussion with the school and other opportunities explored #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
There is no realistic future for this building. What is the factor for the costs of this building sitting empty?
Cllr Robins said there will be discussion with the school and other opportunities explored #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins said there will be discussion with the school and other opportunities explored #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Westdene pupils enter the library through and internal door, is this counted?
Cllr Robins said the library card use reflected the school use and the data was included in the rationale. The school uses the space and officers will work with the school on access to books and study space #LDreporter
Cllr Robins said the library card use reflected the school use and the data was included in the rationale. The school uses the space and officers will work with the school on access to books and study space #LDreporter
December 11, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Westdene pupils enter the library through and internal door, is this counted?
Cllr Robins said the library card use reflected the school use and the data was included in the rationale. The school uses the space and officers will work with the school on access to books and study space #LDreporter
Cllr Robins said the library card use reflected the school use and the data was included in the rationale. The school uses the space and officers will work with the school on access to books and study space #LDreporter
Footfall data is historic, more people are using it. Why was more recent data not included? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins says footfall and useage was just part. Geographic spread, borrowing was also a factor and the library is low use
Cllr Robins says footfall and useage was just part. Geographic spread, borrowing was also a factor and the library is low use
December 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Footfall data is historic, more people are using it. Why was more recent data not included? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Cllr Robins says footfall and useage was just part. Geographic spread, borrowing was also a factor and the library is low use
Cllr Robins says footfall and useage was just part. Geographic spread, borrowing was also a factor and the library is low use
People Overview & Scrutiny Committee formally
recommended that Cabinet ‘do not proceed with the libraries closure plan at this time’; why is Cabinet choosing to advance the closure of Westdene Library despite this scrutiny warning? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
recommended that Cabinet ‘do not proceed with the libraries closure plan at this time’; why is Cabinet choosing to advance the closure of Westdene Library despite this scrutiny warning? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
People Overview & Scrutiny Committee formally
recommended that Cabinet ‘do not proceed with the libraries closure plan at this time’; why is Cabinet choosing to advance the closure of Westdene Library despite this scrutiny warning? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
recommended that Cabinet ‘do not proceed with the libraries closure plan at this time’; why is Cabinet choosing to advance the closure of Westdene Library despite this scrutiny warning? #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Ruth Williams is presenting questions first from Alicia Buckingham, she asks about the PFI figures for Jubilee library, and a city-wide alternative, what is the #Westdene closure decision based on. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
December 11, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Ruth Williams is presenting questions first from Alicia Buckingham, she asks about the PFI figures for Jubilee library, and a city-wide alternative, what is the #Westdene closure decision based on. #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove
Julie Lawrence from #Rottingdean Parish Council will the Cabinet
now remove any uncertainty by providing an assurance that if your officers find that “alternative community-based provision” is not possible, Rottingdean Library will remain as part of the library network?
now remove any uncertainty by providing an assurance that if your officers find that “alternative community-based provision” is not possible, Rottingdean Library will remain as part of the library network?
December 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Julie Lawrence from #Rottingdean Parish Council will the Cabinet
now remove any uncertainty by providing an assurance that if your officers find that “alternative community-based provision” is not possible, Rottingdean Library will remain as part of the library network?
now remove any uncertainty by providing an assurance that if your officers find that “alternative community-based provision” is not possible, Rottingdean Library will remain as part of the library network?
#Brighton and #Hove cabinet is due to start at 2pm today with libraries, budgets, transport, homelessness and housing on the agenda #LDreporter
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8f-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8f-...
Cabinet - Thursday 11 December 2025
YouTube video by Brighton & Hove City Council
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 12:19 PM
#Brighton and #Hove cabinet is due to start at 2pm today with libraries, budgets, transport, homelessness and housing on the agenda #LDreporter
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8f-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8f-...
Thursday 11 December headlines for #Brighton and #Hove from #LDreporter #TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNSVM39/
TikTok - Make Your Day
vm.tiktok.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Thursday 11 December headlines for #Brighton and #Hove from #LDreporter #TikTok vm.tiktok.com/ZNRNSVM39/
Six-figure donation to West #Hove Infants and #Hove Junior School have resulted in complaints about openness and fairness #LDreporter
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568693...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568693...
Complaints as anonymous donor clears primary school's six-figure budget gap
An anonymous donor has cleared a primary school’s six-figure budget gap, leading to complaints about unfairness and a lack of transparency
www.theargus.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Six-figure donation to West #Hove Infants and #Hove Junior School have resulted in complaints about openness and fairness #LDreporter
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568693...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568693...
Cabinet members face a grilling from the public today over the future of #Westdene, #Hollingbury and #Rottingdean libraries, as the sustainability plan goes to the vote #LDreporter #Brighton
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568689...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568689...
'Santa' delivers children's letters calling for library to be saved
Santa has delivered bundles of children’s letters calling on councillors to save Westdene Library from closure
www.theargus.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Cabinet members face a grilling from the public today over the future of #Westdene, #Hollingbury and #Rottingdean libraries, as the sustainability plan goes to the vote #LDreporter #Brighton
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568689...
www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568689...
Kemp Town restaurant and wine bar alcohol licence bid faces opposition from neighbours #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568864...
Neighbours oppose wine bar plan due to 'obnoxious guests' concerns
A new Brighton restaurant and wine bar faces opposition in its bid for an alcohol licence from neighbours worried about “obnoxious guests”
www.theargus.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Kemp Town restaurant and wine bar alcohol licence bid faces opposition from neighbours #LDreporter #Brighton #Hove www.theargus.co.uk/news/2568864...