WORK on a £320,000 facelift for a controversial shopping street should begin in March - but only after the public have had their say.

Consultants are drawing up plans for environmental improvements in pedestrianised George Street, Hove.

They are due to be delivered to Brighton and Hove Council on January 17 and will then be put to local residents and traders for comment.

A series of exhibitions are planned so that as many people as possible can have their say.

Councillor are looking at the possibility of renting an empty shop in George Street to exhibit the plans. Other sites being considered include Hove town hall and nearby Vallance Community Centre.

Vallance ward councillor Simon Battle said: "I am very excited by the positive attitude towards the scheme from local residents and traders.

"As soon as the plans are available we will want to hear from local people about what they think of them.

"They will then be amended to take into account their views before work begins.

"Some of the things which may be looked at include planting trees, providing more seating, and restoring the road surface which is cracked in places."

There are also plans to repave the street to make pavements level with the road surface.

And there will be designated areas for parking, disabled parking and for loading when the street is open to traffic before 10am and after 4pm.

But many of the independent businesses in George Street have been against pedestrianisation since it was introduced in March, 1998.

They say trade has been badly affected by people no longer being able to park there.

Two businesses have closed and a third has been sold since the scheme was introduced.

And chainstore Dixons last year revealed it was considering the future of its store there.

Mr Nazzarino Tari, owner of Tari's Cafe, said: "The council has ruined George Street with this crazy scheme.

"My business has been badly affected because people are going to other places where they can do their shopping and park.

"Never mind spending £320,000 on planting trees and building out the pavements.

"They want to do the thing properly and spend £3 million on building a proper free car park behind the Co-op. That would encourage people to use Hove town centre more."

A Brighton and Hove Council spokeswoman said: "We hope once the consultation has taken place, work can begin in March or April."

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