Petition to save historic barrow in Brighton

Hundreds have signed a petition to save the historic barrow outside Diplocks Yard after the city council revoked the cart's licence.
The barrow outside Diplocks YardThe barrow outside Diplocks Yard
The barrow outside Diplocks Yard

The 150-year-old wheelbarrow which sits in front of the yard has come under threat after residents complained it obstructed the road.Diplocks Yard owner Keith Shearing, 57, said: “It’d be a real shame to lose it, it’s a part of the area’s history, a part of Brighton’s history.”Around 900 people have signed the petition asking for the barrow’s license to be reinstated, and if it reaches 1,250 signatures then it will be delivered to the council. Mr Shearing said: “After [the petition is delivered], it will be up to the council to decide.”But a council spokesperson insisted that the barrow would have to come down as it is on the public highway.A council spokesperson said: “I think we need to be clear that the enforcement notice issued by the council concerns a wheelbarrow and not a business premises.”The council had previously handed Mr Shearing a 28-day notice to remove the barrow, which has now expired.

Mr Shearing said the barrow would have been used by rag-and-bone men who stored their carts on the site of the present day shop.“We’ve had all sorts signing the petition, people from Brighton, people from other parts.“Tourists really love the barrow, and especially with the festival coming up it’s going to be very busy.“We’ve had over 900 signatures in two weeks, so it seems like people really care about it.”The petition can be found in the shop on Gloucester Road.

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