UPDATE
The clock has now been stopped, as there will be a court case on Monday 21 July 2025.
This live count-up clock marks the time elapsed since Charlie Southall, owner of the Montreal Arms pub in Brighton, breached Brighton and Hove City Council’s enforcement notice issued in April 2022, which required the reinstatement of historic green tiles removed from the pub’s façade in March 2022.
Described as “utter vandalism” by former MP Caroline Lucas, the unauthorised removal prompted the council to set a compliance deadline of 17 July 2024, which Southall has failed to meet.
Despite the breach constituting a criminal offence, no prosecution has yet been initiated by the council.
This clock underscores the ongoing delay in legal action, reflecting the community’s frustration and the council’s stated intent to explore “all options” to ensure that the tiles are restored, as the Montreal Arms remains a cherished local heritage asset.
The clock serves as a public reminder of the delay in legal action to restore the cherished heritage asset, reflecting community concerns over the protection of Brighton’s historic buildings.
The clock will stop when the prosecution commences.
