A SEAFRONT road which has been closed to motorists during the coronavirus pandemic was reopened at the last minute for a Mod Weekender event.

The annual bank holiday celebration normally sees thousands of scooter riders descend on Brighton seafront to celebrate Mod history, culture and music.

This year, hundreds of Mods arrived in the city from around the country expecting Madeira Drive to be closed to motorists.

But Hove resident and Mod Ollie Wilson, who has been campaigning for Brighton and Hove City Council to reopen Madeira Drive, said the Mods' wish was granted yesterday as stewards agreed for scooterists to use the road.

The Argus: Photo: Clive BrettPhoto: Clive Brett

He said: "I've been tweeting Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty all week to ask the council to reopen the road.

"People in the Mod community and events organisers at the Volks nightclub expected the road to be closed, but yesterday stewards said they would be letting people in.

"I'm very grateful to the council for opening Madeira Drive this weekend. I think we've shown how well it works and traders there said they have done their best business all year."

Cars and other motor vehicles have been banned from driving along Madeira Drive since April, after the council decided to create more space for residents to exercise at a safe distance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this month, Ollie's petition for the council to reopen Madeira Drive to all vehicle users reached 10,641 signatures.

He hopes the council will choose to keep the road open to motorists after the bank holiday.

The Argus: Photo: Clive BrettPhoto: Clive Brett

Ollie said: "This weekend it has been great to see the cyclists and Mods living in harmony on Madeira Drive.

"The Mod life is very much about turning up and hanging out and chatting to each other, and cyclists and pedestrians love to join in.

"This is the way forward. It's time for the council to have a rethink. I hope Cllr Mac Cafferty can see the benefits."

This year's Mod Weekender has so far seen DJs playing ska and Northern Soul music at the entrance to Brighton Palace Pier and live acts performing outside the Volks nightclub, under social distancing guidelines.

The Mod Weekender event is set to continue throughout bank holiday Monday.