The removal of a bus stop has left part of the city centre “cut off”, a Green Party member has claimed.

But Brighton and Hove City Council’s roads boss said he is “confident once complete the transformation of this part of the city centre will benefit all our residents and visitors”.

As part of the Valley Gardens project, a number of changes have been made to bus stops on the Old Steine in Brighton.

The bus stop which was opposite St James’s Street has been removed as part of the project, with buses which previously stopped there relocating across other stops in the Old Steine.

The council said the removal of the former bus stop H was a “fundamental” part of design changes which look to reduce congestion for buses and create space to move northbound traffic onto the eastern side.

However, a resident against the decision has now set up a petition calling for the stop to be reintroduced. It has already gained more than 200 signatures.

Former Labour MP and now Green Party member, Lloyd Russell-Moyle was among those who has supported the petition.

He described the move as having “cut Kemp Town off” and called for the decision to be reversed.

LLoyd Russell-Moyle defected to the Green Party last year (Image: UGC)

In a post on social media, he said: “The Valley Gardens Phase 3 proposals have always been detrimental to Kemp Town.

“I raised concerns at the time, including writing to government funders and meeting with officers, and others did too. Practical alternatives were put forward by local residents and councillors, yet officers pushed ahead with changes that have made the bus situation worse, not better.

“They have effectively cut Kemp Town off from large parts of the city, created traffic chaos, increased journey times for bus users, and harmed local shops.

“There is a clear, practical solution. The large loading bay by Sainsbury’s could be converted into a bus stop, improving access immediately.”

He added: “Right now, if you are travelling from Preston Park or Lewes Road to the Royal Sussex, often when you are unwell, you can no longer simply cross the road to change buses. Instead, you are forced into a longer loop and then have to cross the entirety of Old Steine.

“In bad weather, this disproportionately impacts elderly people, disabled people, wheelchair users, and those with pushchairs.

“This is a bad decision and it should be reversed.”

The Old Steine is currently being transformed as part of the council’s Valley Gardens project (Image: NQ)

However, when The Argus spoke with residents in the city many praised the council’s work to transform the area.

Westdene resident, Marcus Oldfield, 76, said: “I think what they are doing is good for the city. The flow seems better than it was and it’s more efficient.

“I also love the electric buses, they’re quiet and we can finally breathe the air.

“I prefer it [The Old Steine bus stops] to be like this than crowded up with cars.”

He added: “I think maybe they are giving too much space to bikes [lanes]. It’s a good idea but how it’ll work out, I don’t know.”

Chris, who did not give his surname, is a disability charity worker. He also praised the Valley Gardens work but acknowledged the bus stop concerns for those with mobility issues.

He said: “I am happy with what they’ve done. It works for me.

“For me this works absolutely fine but for some people with mobility issues it might be more appropriate or better for them the way it was.

“From what I can see, they new layout is working fine and I’m looking forward to it when it’s finished. Though I do avoid driving it when I can.”

Liz Woolford, 72, from Brighton, shared how she has grown to like the changes.

She said: “Initially, it was confusing because I hadn’t heard anything about it and so when I got to the bus stop, it wasn’t there. But now I am used to it, I don’t mind at all,” she said.

“I wouldn’t complain about it. I’m really pleased that the city planning is being split more equally, but I am looking forward to the construction being over.”

The city council’s roads boss wanted to remind the public that the scheme is not yet complete, with pedestrian routes and crossings still to be put in place.

Cllr Trevor Muten. (Image: NQ)

Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “These changes have been part of our wider work to improve Valley Gardens, including making the entire area more accessible.

“The changes were agreed after many years of public consultation during which feedback from residents helped shape the plans.

“It is also important to remember that the scheme is not yet complete.

“Once it has been finished, the pedestrian routes and crossings between the new bus stop on the western side of Old Steine and St James’s Street will be more direct than they are during the current temporary arrangements.

“Moving the former bus stop H was a fundamental part of the design changes to reduce a significant bottleneck for buses and create space to move northbound traffic onto the eastern side.

“I completely understand there has been some disruption to residents during the work – and we appreciate people’s patience while it is finished.

“We’re confident once complete the transformation of this part of the city centre will benefit all our residents and visitors.”