Boardwalk Lights Finally Switched On After Four Year Wait

Four year delay ends

Lighting along Brighton's Madeira Drive boardwalk has finally been activated this week, more than four years after the boardwalk was built in 2022. UK Power Networks completed the electricity connection on 4 November.

The delay in switching on the lights has drawn criticism from Robert Brown, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Kemp Town ward. He raised the issue at a recent council meeting, calling for the lights to be turned on before the clocks went back in September.

Blame game over responsibility

In September, UK Power Networks said it was waiting for Brighton and Hove City Council to approve the work, while the council blamed UK Power Networks for inaction. Following Mr Brown's intervention at full council, the lights were finally switched on.

Mr Brown said: "At the recent full council I asked a question highlighting how the Black Rock lights were still not on. As a result, the Council acted and the lights have now been turned on along Black Rock and the boardwalk."

Campaign continues for underpass

However, Mr Brown has flagged another concern. He highlighted that lighting is still needed between the Marina and the boardwalk, where floor sockets have been installed since 2021.

He added: "We now need to make sure that there are sufficient lights from the Marina up to the boardwalk where floor sockets have been installed since 2021. The council can't congratulate themselves on a job half done. We are thankful for this positive start to our short, sustained campaign as safer, brighter areas make a real difference for everyone, especially during the darker months. Yet we need more to be done to ensure safety for all."

Council acknowledges further work

Cabinet member for city infrastructure Trevor Muten said: "It is fantastic to see the boardwalk lighting connected and switched on. It was something we made clear to the utility company we absolutely expected to be in place before the dark nights set in and we are pleased this has been done.

"We are aware of issues with street lighting between the boardwalk and the marina and our team is working hard to resolve this issue. Having a well-lit seafront is important and we will continue our investment in this area."

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