Hope for artists' quarter at Madeira Drive

Businesses in Madeira Drive - threatened by work to repair The Arches - have been given a lifeline. Thanks to Paula Murray, assistant chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council, and Councillor Tom Druitt, chair of Brighton and Hove Green Party.

Businesses that faced eviction last week are hoping they can move into three Portakabin buildings, due to be installed into parking spaces that will be moved elsewhere.

The idea - which arose out of last-minute discsussions - may go ahead after a visit to the site on Wednesday by Toni Manuel, the council's seafront development manager.

Cllr Druitt said: "This could be great news for small, local businesses that faced eviction - and for those who may come back as soon as everything is sorted. It's a solution for at least the next year."