The wind and rain on 30th July did not stop almost 200 local residents and politicians from taking part in an urgent public meeting and protest about the Royal Mail’s bid for Patcham Court Farm. 

Neighbours filled the barn behind All Saints Church to express concerns about the bid and share ideas on action that needs to be taken next. Residents spoke about how the Royal Mail's plans pose a danger to the city’s drinking water, exacerbate known flood risks, will change a residential area to an industrial one and increase both traffic and pollution in the area.

Many in attendance also expressed their concerns about the lack of a public consultation and expressed fears for the conservation area and heritage site at Church Hill. 

Concerns from locals were echoed by local politicians in attendance, Sian Berry, the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion and Conservative councillors for Patcham, Alistair McNair and Anne Meadows.

After the in-depth meeting chaired by Mike Howard (one of the campaign co-ordinators of Patcham Against Royal Mail) residents then headed to the proposed Royal Mail site. The protest was photographed for The Argus newspaper (link to article at the bottom of the page)  and filmed for a BBC South East TV segment.

Demonstrators held placards with messages and chants such as "Save Brighton’s water," "Stop Royal Mail," and "Patcham village will not benefit." Campaigners also held up skeletons signifying the grave risks this development poses to the city.