Ten of Brighton and Hove’s distinctive seafront lanterns have been removed after an inspection found they had corroded faster than expected.
The corrosion was discovered during routine checks which are currently being carried out on all of the 163 lanterns, which run along the promenade from Black Rock to Hove Lagoon.
Eight of the lanterns were on Madeira Drive and two on Marine Parade where the inspection is ongoing.
In 2016, one of the lanterns fell and smashed a chunk out of the pavement on Marine Parade, prompting a special inspection of all the city’s Victorian lamps.
Some lamps have now been fitted with modern supports.
Speaking about the extent of the corrosion, David Parker, the council’s head of transport projects and engineering said the safety of the public was paramount.
“We know how much these lights are treasured by our residents and visitors, but our priority has to be the safety of everyone walking underneath them.
“We always expect to find some corrosion when we carry out our routine inspections, but to have to remove lanterns so early into the inspection programme was not expected by the team.
“Thorough checks are being carried out over the next few weeks and, where needed, we will remove any lantern that we think presents a risk.
“We will be talking to our conservation officers and, if needed, English Heritage to ensure we have lamps that are in-keeping with the traditional look of the original lamps as much as possible, but that will also be longer lasting and easier to manage from a financial aspect.”
Corrosion of the lanterns happens due to the salty air coming off the sea which is something that cannot be avoided. Checks on the seafront lampposts take place every two years.
To report a lantern which you think has suffered from severe corrosion and needs our immediate attention, please use our street lighting reporting online form or call our Street Lighting Team on 07557 197566.
Replacement lamps must be exact replicas to fit in with existing to retain the seafront USP & visual/heritage integrity.
The Seafront Scrutiny revealed how absent maintenance had been, how paltry the repair & maintenance budgets historically ARE!
Paint prevents corrosion & these losses, don’tcha know. Council neglect is what must be addressed. The use of strong white lighting needs rethinking as well. People miss the softer vintage feel of previously soft incandescent-toned seafront lighting.
To remain competitive for tourism our seafront heritage must be given the repoect & investment needed. God knows they don’t stampede to this city for the i360!
They could use the £1m dividend from the i360 they receive every year which was supposed to be for projects like this.I know that during the 60s and 70s they were painted on a regular basis with at least 3 coats of paint.
Well said “Save Hove.” I totally agree with comments made.