Good morning, Brighton. Here we are again and a fine week ahead by the looks of things on the coast which is sure to put some smiles on faces and also a happy 88th birthday to George Takei a.k.a Mr Sulu. Live long and prosper George.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🛴 Love them or hate them, Brighton & Hove councillors will next week consider launching a regulated e-scooter hire trial as early as this summer. The scheme, run by existing operator Beryl, could introduce up to 400 e-scooters at 37 hubs along the seafront and key transport routes. Private e-scooters would remain illegal.

The trial follows a public consultation and includes strict safety measures: riders must be at least 17 with a provisional driving licence; no riding on pavements; use limited to roads, cycle lanes and shared spaces; GPS-enforced no-go zones; a top speed of 12.5 mph; slower speeds and curfews at night; and third-party insurance. Councillor Trevor Muten says the scheme aims to cut car use, improve air quality and encourage integration with public transport, while prioritising safety through tighter rules than many other UK trials. Read full report to be presented >

🎾 Three new covered padel courts have opened at Withdean Sports Complex, giving racket sport players more choice in Brighton & Hove. The courts, built and operated by Game4Padel in partnership with the council and Freedom Leisure, complement the busy padel courts at Hove Beach Park, expanding access north and south of the city.

The impressive new facility has a canopy for year-round play, floodlighting for evenings, and a staffed reception offering equipment sales and hire. To mark the launch, courts are half-price for the first month. Councillor Alan Robins said the courts will help meet growing demand for padel and support the city’s aim to offer a wide range of sports. Previous padel courts at Withdean and Hove Beach Park have seen super high occupancy, and Game4Padel’s CEO says Brighton is proving to be a “hotspot” for the rapidly growing sport which now has over 1 million players in the UK. Book a court

📋 Exciting developments for our region with the new Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority holding its first meeting last week to agree how it will operate and begin planning major investment in economic growth, skills and transport. Formally created in March ahead of a first mayoral election in May 2028, the authority has been allocated £1.14bn over 30 years, with £30.4m available in the next two years. Leaders of East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove councils are expected to form a six-member board. They will agree governance, staffing, and an assurance framework, then start developing early investment programmes. 🤞

☀️ | 📈 14° | 📉 5° | ☔️ 10% | 🌬️ E 8mph | 🌊 <1ft

🌤️ | 📈 15° | 📉 7° | ☔️ 10% | 🌬️ NE 13mph | 🌊 <1ft

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Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

Rebuilding | The Stranger | RBO Live: The Magic Flute

Dukes at Komedia - Book

The Stranger | Project Hail Mary | The Drama | Father Mother Sister Brother | Rose of Nevada | The Christophers + Live Broadcast

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