PRYZM Brighton Dances Past Administration Woes
In a significant shake-up for the UK’s nightlife industry, Rekom UK, the nation’s largest nightclub operator, has revealed a list of venue closures across the country due to financial struggles. Despite the grim news that 17 of its establishments will cease operations immediately, Brighton’s popular PRYZM nightclub has been spared, remaining a beacon for the city’s vibrant night scene.
Rekom UK, overseeing a portfolio of 50 bars, pubs, and late-night venues including the renowned Atik and Pryzm clubs, was compelled to enter administration in January after grappling with “challenging” trading conditions. The closures were announced following the company’s unsuccessful attempts to find buyers for the affected venues.
However, amidst the closures, there is a silver lining for the nightlife community. A total of 24 Rekom UK venues, including Brighton’s PRYZM, are set to remain open and operational. This comes as a relief to many, preserving a key element of Brighton’s entertainment landscape. Administrators from Grant Thornton UK have also confirmed that another 11 sites have been sold and will continue to welcome patrons under new ownership.
The closures include prominent locations such as PRYZM in Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth, and Portsmouth; ATIK in Dartford, Romford, Windsor, and Wrexham; and other notable venues across the country, marking a significant contraction of Rekom UK’s operational footprint.
The decision to keep Brighton’s PRYZM open, along with other select venues such as PRYZM in Bristol and Kingston, and a variety of other entertainment sites across the UK, signals a focused strategy to maintain a presence in key nightlife markets despite the current financial challenges.
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A suspect has been charged with the attempted murder of a police officer following a collision in Ashford
The incident took place at 3.16pm on Friday 26 January 2024 in Coulter Road, near the junction with Hedgers Way. The constable, who was on foot at the time, was involved in a collision with a car that allegedly failed to stop at the scene. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local […]
East Grinstead Indecent Exposure Incidents: Suspect Apprehended
Police are seeking information from the public after several related incidents of indecent exposure in East Grinstead.
In January, there were reports of four distinct occurrences on London Road, Institute Walk, King Street, Christopher Road, Sandy Lane, and Moat Road, involving a man behaving oddly before exposing himself.
Officers have apprehended a 35-year-old man from the area on charges of indecent exposure. He has been bailed while the investigation continues.
Anyone with insights or who witnessed these events is encouraged to reach out to Sussex Police via their website or by calling 101, mentioning Operation Hockey.
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Suspected Scam of Elderly Woman in Worthing – Help Needed
Authorities responded to a call on 31 December regarding a scam involving a 79-year-old woman considered to be vulnerable.
A man is suspected of defrauding her of thousands of pounds under the guise of performing work at her residence on Melrose Avenue, Worthing, before demanding payment.
The police are seeking to interview the man depicted in the photograph, believing he may have valuable information related to their investigation.
If you know this man or have any relevant information, please reach out to the police through their website or by dialing 101, referencing serial 1172 of 31/12.
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Brother Pleads for Chemical Attack Fugitive’s Surrender as Nationwide Manhunt Continues
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing nationwide manhunt for Abdul Ezedi, the brother of the fugitive, Hassan Ezedi, 21, has made a heartfelt plea urging his sibling to turn himself in. The emotional plea came after a series of dawn raids conducted by riot squad police officers in hazmat suits at Hassan’s East London […]
Young Offender Handed Prison Sentence for Goring Store Robbery
A 20-year-old man has received a prison sentence following an armed robbery at a Goring store.
Alfie Reedman of Westergate Close, Ferring, entered the Tesco Express on Goring Way at approximately 7:50 am on Saturday, 21 October, where he used a knife to intimidate staff and demanded money from the register, making off with several hundred pounds.
The following day, Reedman targeted The Welcome Store on Half Moon Lane, Salvington, and the Salvington Food Centre on Salvington Road, Worthing, attempting to rob them. However, he left empty-handed from both locations and was subsequently apprehended by the police on Franklin Road.
After admitting to one charge of robbery and two charges of attempted robbery at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 November, Reedman was taken into custody.
On 16 January, Lewes Crown Court handed down a 30-month sentence to Reedman to be served in a Young Offenders Institution. Additionally, he was issued a five-year restraining order prohibiting him from entering The Welcome Store, Half Moon Lane, or Tesco Express on Goring Way.
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Metropolitan Police Lead Major Manhunt in East London
In the early hours of Friday morning, a significant police operation was launched in East London, marking the third day of an extensive manhunt for an Afghan man suspected of acid attacks. The Metropolitan Police spearheaded this operation, involving approximately 120 officers, including specialist units and the Territorial Support Group (TSG). The operation commenced from […]
Crawley Drug Dealer ‘Tilgate Liam’ Sentenced in County Lines Crackdown
Following a targeted operation against County Lines drug trafficking, a man has been sentenced to prison.
During the execution of a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant in Crawley, officers apprehended local drug dealer Liam Batchelor.
Batchelor was pinpointed for running a narcotics operation that distributed heroin and crack cocaine to at-risk individuals in the vicinity.
The 37-year-old, known among his contacts as ‘Tilgate Liam’, was apprehended with six mobile phones. Examination of these devices provided conclusive evidence of his illicit endeavors.
He faced charges for his involvement in the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin. After admitting guilt, he received a prison sentence of three years and nine months from Lewes Crown Court on January 12.
PC Dave Oliver, of the Op Centurion team, said: “This is another great result in our continued efforts to target prolific drug dealers and protect vulnerable drug users in Crawley.
“It is essential we catch criminals before they have the opportunity to escape or conceal evidence, and sometimes this involves executing a pre-planned warrant.
“This case demonstrates that we could be coming for you anywhere, at any time.”
Batchelor, of Boswell Road, Tilgate, was arrested as part of Operation Ruby – a crackdown on County Lines drug-dealing in Crawley in December.
A number of other suspects were also arrested and are due to appear in court over the next few months.
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Brighton vs Crystal Palace: Security Measures Increased for Clash
Brighton is set to host a much-anticipated football showdown against Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium this afternoon, with a kickoff slated for 3pm. In anticipation of the high-energy fixture, authorities have announced a significant increase in police and British Transport Police (BTP) presence throughout the city and at the station, respectively, to prevent any potential fan clashes that have marred previous encounters between the two sides.
Brighton Station Match in 2022 In years past, confrontations between fans outside Brighton station before the match have raised concerns about public safety. In response, Sussex Police have outlined comprehensive measures to ensure a secure environment for fans and residents alike. “There will be an increased police presence in Brighton city centre on Saturday for Brighton and Hove Albion’s football fixture against Crystal Palace,” stated a spokesperson for Sussex Police. “This is to ensure that everyone attending the match has a safe and enjoyable experience.”
The police force is collaborating closely with both football clubs and various partner agencies to tailor the policing response effectively to the day’s needs. Fans and city dwellers have been forewarned of potential disruptions to travel, especially in the vicinity of Brighton station, with the police advising extra time be factored into travel plans.
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