Historical seafront railings undergo restoration

News imageGetty Images The image shows a set of railings, and the sea behind it.Getty Images
The restoration work on the railings is due to be completed by September, the council says

A stretch of historical railings in Hove is to be restored in the first phase of a project to revitalise the seafront.

About 300m (984ft) of railings west of the Meeting Place Cafe will be stripped down to the metal and made ready to be repainted.

The work on the railings being undertaken by Brighton & Hove City Council is due to begin on Monday and be completed in September, when work will pause for the winter.

David McGregor, cabinet member for heritage, said: "Maintaining the seafront is an ongoing challenge and projects like restoring the railings are a huge undertaking."

He added: "By taking a section at a time and working with specialists we can ensure that this important part of our heritage is properly restored and preserved for future generations."

Under the plans, the council will also look to restore the seafront shelter next to the Meeting Place Cafe and the Hove Peace Statue.

A second phase of the project will begin in spring 2027, the council says.

The works are part of programme of improvements to the seafront, for which £280,000 of funding was previously announced.

It comes after a set of Hove seafront's "cucumber" benches were restored with the help of volunteers, including convicted criminals completing community service.

McGregor said the council was also looking for community groups to "adopt" sections of the railings or the restored shelter and help to maintain them in the future.

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