Brighton's Pavilion Gardens could be fenced off

Plans to close the gardens in Brighton in the evening have been proposed after the trust that maintains the palace and its grounds reported widespread litter, vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

The Grade II listed garden, one of the only Regency gardens in the world, was placed on the Heritage England “At Risk Register” in 2017 following concerns over high numbers of visitors leaving a mess.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove Museums, the new name for the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, said: “The garden is much loved by residents and visitors alike, but its popularity has led to difficulties in recent years. 

“The number of people visiting has caused damage to the plants and wildlife, litter is difficult to manage and at night, the area suffers from antisocial behaviour. 

“It also has one of the highest crime rates in the city - 130 crimes were recorded in the garden from April 21 to February 22 of which 33.5 per cent were crimes of violence (assaults, robberies and sexual offences).”

Hundreds of people gathered at the gardens to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee

A range of proposed changes is being explored including widening footpaths, improved planting, a programme of activities, closing the garden at night and improving boundaries around the site.

The trust has received funding from Brighton and Hove City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore how to restore the garden and keep it a safe space for everyone, with work and public consultation taking place over the next six to eight months.

Plans are set to be unveiled in the autumn, with a community day planned for garden visitors, tourists and other interested groups.

If successful, work to fence off the park could start early in 2024.

There have been several calls for the park to be blocked off after dark after a series of serious crimes over the years

The project is part of a wider plan by the council to enhance the estate as a cultural destination with the first phase of the plan already under way, including the refurbishment of the Grade I listed Corn Exchange and Grade II listed Studio Theatre.

The gardens, said to be the only fully restored Regency garden in the UK, feature a variety of plants and are often used by street entertainers, especially in the summer.

However, the space has seen incidents of drug-taking, urination, indecent sexual behaviour and rape in recent years.