A bus company boss has described a plan to pedestrianise a street as "crazy".
Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, has vowed to oppose a scheme to clear traffic from St James's Street, Brighton.
Mr French said: "It will be the death knell of St James's Street."
Traders and residents' forum the St James's Action Group thinks getting rid of cars and buses will revive the run-down street and create a continental-style outdoor cafe culture, attracting shoppers and new businesses.
It is asking businesses what they think of the plan and wants Brighton and Hove City Council to carry out formal consultation.
St James's Street is a busy bus thoroughfare carrying passengers to the east of the city.
Mr French said: "The bus stops there are extremely popular, mainly with people shopping in St James's Street.
"By removing the buses those people will take the bus somewhere else to shop - to central Brighton or Hove.
"They won't want to shop somewhere without reasonable bus access because we would have to divert along Marine Parade or Edward Street, which is a considerable distance.
"They will take their custom elsewhere.
"We are also a St James's Street trader and we will definitely be opposing the plan."
Monday, July 24, 2006
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