Eleven benches on Hove seafront have been restored to their former glory – in perfect time for the summer season!
The distinctive double-sided green seats, also known as cucumber benches, have been restored by volunteers as part of a new social value scheme, led by council officers.
The council’s highways contractor, R J Dance, organised a team to carry out repairs on the wooden structures, while local building merchants and paint suppliers provided the materials.
Local residents, along with volunteers from local companies including Lloyds Bank and Network Rail, helped with the sanding and redecorating, returning the benches to their original splendour.
Workers from the Community Payback Scheme - a court-ordered punishment, where offenders work in the community under the supervision of probation officers, helped with weeding and tidying the areas around the benches.
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “I’m thrilled to see these iconic benches have been restored back to their former glory, providing the perfect places for residents and visitors to enjoy watching the world go by on our lovely seafront.
“We’re incredibly grateful to R J Dance and local businesses, and to the hard-working volunteers who have done a fantastic job and whose generous support has seen the benches restored at no cost to the council.”
The council is responsible for maintaining around 13 kilometres of seafront, stretching from Hove Lagoon to Saltdean, much of which is made up of unique Victorian structures.
While teams are continuously working to keep the seafront clean, accessible and safe, a longer-term maintenance plan is currently being developed.
The council has already secured £280,000 towards a dedicated programme of seafront maintenance this summer to include repairs and refurbishment to seafront railings, benches and shelters, alongside safety checks, cleaning and essential repairs to promenades and public areas.
Officers are also investigating other funding streams to put towards seafront improvements, such as income from the new beach huts recently installed at Hove Lagoon and on sale now.
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