Wednesday, 16 January 2008
For immediate use

MP’s joy about Foredown Tower decision
City Council not to close Portslade landmark after successful campaign

Celia Barlow MP has expressed her joy about Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision not to close Foredown Tower. The Council’s Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee has decided today to reject the idea that the Portslade building will no longer be run by the Council, which could have led to a closure. There will now be a review for a year, after which a final decision will be taken. Portslade Councillors Les Hamilton and Bob Carden as well as Hove MP Celia Barlow MP had campaigned against the proposition.

The campaigners had argued that Foredown Tower and Portslade Manor, which is next to the tower, were important heritage sites for Brighton & Hove. With its camera obscura, Foredown Tower is an important landmark for people interested in science. Next year will see the centenary of the tower.

Celia Barlow MP said, “I am very happy for the local people about the decision to keep Foredown Tower going, even to open it two weeks early. Since there will be a review, the campaign for the tower goes on. I urge the Council to put on a fitting programme to support our local monument’s 100th birthday next year.”

Ends