Brighton resident slams council for using greenspace for fan zone

Nu McAdam, is quadriplegic and said he and other disabled residents are being “forgotten” by Brighton and Hove City Council, which has allowed part of Valley Gardens to be used as a fan zone and event screening space for a month.

He told The Argus:  “I’m really annoyed as this is taking over another green space in Brighton that is actively used by people who live here.

“Events are so loud and disruptive. It is like they haven’t thought about us.”

The wall towers above pedestrians in Valley Gardens (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

The site, in front of St Peter’s Church, is screening matches in the European football championships, as well as the British Grand Prix and Glastonbury.

Read more: 23 pictures from Brighton fan zone for England vs Denmark

Nu said large groups of football fans can “create a hostile environment” for LGBT+ people, disabled people and families.

Nu McAdam outside the fan zone, where someone wrote 'This is not Ok' on the fencing (Image: Submitted)

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “We do not anticipate any anti-social behaviour and while the area will be fenced off for the duration of the tournament, to help manage the event, keep people safe and limit disruption to the surrounding area.

"It will be fully restored once the tournament has ended, with the cost being met by our commercial partner."

Fans celebrating Harry Kane's goal against Denmark on Friday (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

Nu has lived in Brighton for 20 years and said the area is normally used as a through route and skaters also practice on the concrete.

“People don’t want that disruption every weekend,” Nu who lives in Ashton Rise said.

“The green fencing around it is also ugly and the space is closed off even when events aren’t running.

The fan zone takes up a large amount of space near St Peter's Church (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

“It is deliberately high so nobody can see into it. It’s elitist and exclusive.”

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The council spokesman added: “The cost of removing the fence when events aren’t taking place and then re-instating it when events are on would be very high and cause even more disruption to nearby residents.”

“As a council we are committed to listening to the views of all our residents, including those with a disability, and making sure all our events and venues are accessible.

“The fan zone was created after residents asked for somewhere in the city where people could come together to enjoy the football. It is fully accessible, with level access throughout and accessible toilet facilities and all events offer carers tickets for those who require support."