1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 To receive any petitions submitted directly to Democratic Services or any e-Petition submitted via the council’s website.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That Council notes the petition(s).

3. Context and background information

3.1 To receive the following petition:

City name change

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to adopt ‘Brighton’ as the official name of our city, with Hove honored as a unique and celebrated area within it. This change would reflect our unified identity under one city name, strengthening our appeal and sense of community while respecting each area’s distinct character and heritage

This petition proposes changing our city’s official name from “Brighton & Hove” to simply “Brighton,” while ensuring that Hove remains a distinct and vibrant district within the larger city.

This isn’t about erasing Hove’s unique identity—it’s about recognizing that Hove will still be known as Hove, but as an integral part of Brighton. The rich character and history of Hove will continue to be celebrated, preserving its name and sense of place within a connected city. By adopting “Brighton” as our official city name, we aim to bring a stronger, more unified identity to our community, while respecting what makes each area special.

This change reflects the way our community already feels—one connected city. Adopting this single name could boost the city’s appeal on a global scale, benefiting tourism and attracting investment. Locally, it could foster a deeper sense of unity, giving the city a bigger, more cohesive feel as it thrives under one name.

The council has indicated that with enough community support, they would consider this change. If you believe this vision of a more connected, thriving city could benefit our community, please show your support. Together, we can work toward a shared future that respects our history and embraces new opportunities.

3.2 To receive the following petition:

Reopen toilets Victoria Recreation Ground, Portslade

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to reopen the public toilets at Victoria Recreation Ground, Portslade.

These facilities have been closed for several years, yet a council inspection has confirmed they are still useable. Each week, hundreds of people visit the recreation ground, including many participating in organised football matches. Players—men, women, and children—often travel significant distances to take part, accompanied by supporters. However, the nearest public toilets are an 11-minute walk away, creating unnecessary inconvenience. The absence of accessible toilets discourages participation in healthy outdoor activities and there is a public health risk with the amount of human excrement accumulating behind trees and bushes. Restoring this essential facility would greatly benefit the local community and visitors alike

3.3 To receive the following petition:

Improve the A23 through Preston Village for the local community, environment & economy

Our campaign aims to improve the A23 through Preston Village so the village can become a thriving, walkable, people centred community. 

We call on Brighton & Hove City Council to make changes that could improve the A23 through Preston Village such as;

1. Better crossings & more space for people walking & wheeling

2. Rain Gardens & Street trees to mitigate flooding

3. Parking & loading bays for easier access to shops

4. Bus stops in the village, closer to the shops and pubs

5. Protected space for people cycling

Preston Village was once an independent Sussex village but is now part of the City of Brighton & Hove. The village is on the A23, adjacent to Preston Park between Brighton & Patcham, the primary north / south transport corridor into the city. 

In the 1950's the road through Preston Village was widened to allow space for local traffic and through traffic to Brighton.

Subsequent changes to road layout, traffic volume and traffic speed have over-run the village. At points the carriageway in front of Preston Village is now double the width of other locations to the North & South. 

Traffic engineers and urban planners have determined that the 6 lane carriageway provides very limited capacity increase or improvements to traffic flow or journey times. 

Moreover, in its present state the A23 generates a ranges of problems which disproportionately impact the local community. These problems include; 

· An unattractive environment for pedestrians and wheelchair users, due to motor vehicle volume, speed and proximity

· Large impermeable surface areas which exacerbate flooding

· Air pollution from brake particulate, engine exhaust particulate and tyre particulate matter

· Serious noise pollution

· A poor record of road traffic accidents, exacerbated by a road layout which perpetuates driver conflict

· Very restricted pedestrian space

· Very restricted space for business in front of shops

· Poor bus stop locations which prevent access to local shops

· Poor road crossings which prioritise motor vehicles

· Unsafe cycle lanes

· Limited parking and loading which directly impact small local businesses

In order to Renew Preston Village as a thriving, walkable, people centred community, we are campaigning for changes to the road layout which makes space for, and creates opportunities for, improvements in public realm, air and noise pollution, local economy, flood mitigation and accidents involving motor vehicles. 

Measures should include but are not limited to;

1. Better crossings & more space for people walking & wheeling

2. Rain Gardens & Street trees to mitigate flooding

3. Parking & loading bays for easy access to shops

4. Bus stops in the village, closer to the shops and pubs

5. Protected space for people cycling

Please see our website www.prestonvillage.org for more information.

The measures and solutions proposed by Renew Preston Village are supported by a range of research studies and policy papers from the UK Gov Department for Transport, Brighton & Hove Council and a range of Non-Governmental Organisations including Living Streets, Active Travel England, Create Streets, Cycling UK, Sustrans, South Downs National Park Authority.

3.4 To receive the following petition:

Toilets at Black Rock

We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to urgently ensure there are appropriate and accessible toilet facilities at Black Rock where Volks Railway's station is whilst we wait for Southern Water to upgrade the building.

Despite asking BHCC to ensure that there are sufficient toilet facilities at Black Rock, there are still none.

Southern Water are in the process of upgrading the Black Rock building, with Volks Railway open with tourists ending / starting their journey there.

The Sea Lanes to Marina area of Black Rock is getting busier every week, however there is a severe lack of accessible toilets in the area for residents and visitors alike, with coaches often unloading their passengers around that area.

The local businesses are suffering as visitors demand use of their facilities, which are often not suitable for the numbers required, as well as those who are sleeping in vans along the seafront using these facilities for cleaning themselves in the morning.

We demand that BHCC sort out this situation as a matter or urgency and ensure temporary toilets are located in the Black Rock Volks Railway area suitable for all.