THE final battle in the war of words over a controversial pedestrianisation scheme got under way today.

Apublic inquiry into the pedestrianisation of George Street, Hove, started at Hove Town Hall.

Traffic has been banned from the road between 10am and 4pm, every day except Sundays, since March last year under the experimental scheme.

Appeal inspector James Coyne is hearing evidence on whether the scheme should be made permanent.

Hove MP Ivor Caplin and Vallance Ward councillor Simon Battle were among those speaking in favour of the change this afternoon, but many traders claim it has adversely affected their business.

Peter Bloxham, the council's principal traffic engineer, told the inquiry that the scheme had resulted in a more pleasant shopping environment, better air quality, less noise and far fewer accidents in Blatchington Road at the top of George Street.

Mr Bloxham pointed to a June 1998 survey which showed 71 per cent of shoppers in central Hove were either satisfied or very satisfied with the scheme, while only five per cent thought it should be stopped.

He said George Street contains a "buoyant mix" of local branches of national retailers and small independent traders, with only four shops vacant at the moment.

Mr Bloxham added: "A number of special events have been held in the street, including musical events, Sussex Cricket Club promotion, a highly successfully Dieppe market and several Christmas events.

"The council has actively encouraged such events and have participated with the traders in the organisation and promotion of them."

Paul Walker, the council's plans and traffic manager, said: "Government policy, as expressed through A New Deal for Transport, strongly promotes the use of alternative means of transport to the private motor vehicle."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.