Resident representatives from Robert Lodge and South Hawk Residents' Association have long campaigned to stop anti-social car parking on the bank at the corner of Manor Way and Whitehawk Road. Anti social parking was damaging the bank and causing a safety hazard to residents when it rained as churned up earth turned into slippery mud!

Following a recent meeting of the Whitehawk Voice, Colin Sayers (Operations Manager for East Brighton City Services) and Laurence Townsend (Community Participation Officer) undertook to work with residents to help resolve the problem. Residents identified 6 poorly maintained planters in the area as suitable for relocation and agreed the layout.

Pressures on existing Council budgets were making it difficult to progress the project but local builders merchants Builder Center came to the rescue... Builder Center agreed to step in at very short notice to keep the project on track.

Area Sales Manager Mark Simmonds said "Builder Center is a National company that has 3 stores in Brighton and Hove, employing 23 people. The Bristol Gardens store has served Whitehawk residents and the building industry for over 50 years. When residents found themselves in a pickle we were glad to help out on this occasion."

Local residents Jean Davies and Irene Boyce pictured above, with Richard Simmonds from the Grounds Maintenance contractors Ecovert, were delighted that the project was underway. Richard's team agreed to do the JCB work at a discounted rate because residents agreed to maintain the planters in the future. South Hawk tenant representative Jean Davies said "I am pleased with the successful outcome as the planters will brighten up a previously neglected area (which is for many the gateway to the estate). The project will also complement the eb4U project to re-instate the Map of Whitehawk (on the same site) as part of the Alleygating Project."

Residents will be sending a thank you card to Builder Center and if you would like to sign the card please contact Laurence on telephone number 293177. It is believed that this is the first example of residents working in partnership with private companies, eb4U, council contractors and the council to complete a project, which otherwise may not have happened.