Big sporting event comes a step closer

Town clerk Len Fisher said the outlook was 'very positive' after talks last week between town council officers, Vic Bickerton of Triathlon Events and Management Ltd, officers of the county highways department and Kean Franks, planning and logistics manager with the police.

The plan is for the prestigious Brighton Triathlon to be moved to Seaford and renamed the South Coast Classic Triathlon.

The event attracts around 2,000 competitors from all over the UK, and from New Zealand, Australia, the USA as well as a number of European countries. They include everyone from world-class athletes to novices competing for charity.

The Brighton Triathlon, second in size only to the London Triathlon, consists of a 1,500m swim, a 40km cycle ride and a 10km run. It takes place over two days.

The reason for the proposed move is that Seaford's spacious Esplanade is more suitable than Brighton's congested seafront.

Said Mr Fisher: 'The county council and the police are happy to give their backing subject to there being a proper business plan and event management schedule and that insurance details and risk assessments are satisfactory.'

He added: 'It now looks quite promising, and if the triathlon goes ahead it will be a tremendous boost for Seaford.'

Mr Fisher has prepared a report for his council's community services committee, recommending that members make land available for the event on September.

From April 1 the town council takes over ownership of the two fields behind the Martello Tower (formerly owned by the district council), and these will be invaluable for the triathlon, Mr Fisher said.

One could be a car park for competitors and the other could have changing facilities, and marquees for officials and refreshments.