A business has slammed the council’s response after it took teams almost two hours to arrive and clear sick in a shop doorway.
On Wednesday, April 15, staff at House of Pecksniff on Bond Street, Brighton, were shocked to find their front entrance covered in sick and urine.
An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Argus that they arrived at the store around 10am to find the disgusting scene.
She explained that a person had been sleeping in the doorway, who had been moved on prior to her arrival.
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Despite support from the Brilliant Brighton (Bid) officers, the employee described her disappointment at the speed of response from the Brighton and Hove City Council’s City Clean team.
City Clean is responsible for street cleaning across Brighton and Hove, including clearing dropped litter, dog mess, and hazardous/dangerous materials left in public places.
Warning: Graphic images below
The mess left in the doorway of the shop (Image: NQ)
The employee explained: “The Bid came along and they contacted City Clean.
“They’ve been calling from 10am until now [around 11.30am], they even went to the town hall.
“They were told ‘nothing can be done’ and to ‘just keep calling’.”
During The Argus’ visit, at around 11.45am yesterday, a Brighton and Hove City Council team did arrive to clear the area.
However, the employer explained this was almost two hours after Bid officers first contacted the council.
Due to the level of mess, the employer also said the store was unable to open until it was cleared.
“It’s the loss of business too, I haven’t been able to open yet and I don’t know how long it’s going to take,” she said.
The employee added: “We often have people sleeping in the doorway, normally on a rainy night, but nothing like this.
“But the Bid have been brilliant. They’ve been on the phone to the council for the past hour and a half.”
CEO of Brilliant Brighton (BID), Gavin Stewart said: “Our team is always ready to step in and offer assistance to local businesses whenever unexpected incidents arise.
“We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with partners across the city and always aim for as swift a resolution as possible.
“Clearly there are some lessons to be learned here, but we’re glad we could provide support to House of Pecksniff during this challenging situation and will continue to advocate for prompt action from all city services.”
Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment.