A new exit to improve access to Trafalgar Street from Brighton's bustling train station would give a real boost to local traders, Caroline Lucas said today.

The Pavilion MP is backing an option for an additional exit to be included as part of the Station Gateway Project, which will see the station redeveloped from 2013.

She expressed her support for the proposal at a meeting with Jim Mayor from Brighton and Hove City Council's Transport Department, and is calling on respondents to the public consultation on the Station Gateway Project to do the same.

There is a precedent for such a move, with an exit that led down to Trafalgar Street near the Toy Museum having already been in place some years ago.

Caroline Lucas MP said:

"A new access point to Trafalgar Street via a pedestrian exit or escalator would be a real boost for local traders in the city, since visitors would be led straight down from the station into the heart of the North Laine.

"It would also help to inject new life into the Mangalore Way area under the station arches, which has huge potential to become a busy cafe and market place quarter.

"Add to that the clear benefits for residents to the east of the city and you have a win-win scenario.

"I'll now be doing all I can to work with the Council, Network Rail and Southern to see if we can make this happen, and would urge all those responding to the Gateway consultation starting on 14 May to express their support."

David Sewell, Chair of North Laine Traders Association, said:

"This exit to the East would become an easy access shortcut to and from the Station, increasing footfall and passing trade - a definite win for rail users and the whole North Laine.

"The link corridor, combined with good signage, would become very popular for residents, tourists and train users alike, and would re-invigorate what is already the 'vibrant heart of the city.'"

ENDS