Kids taking over

It states: "We imagine the Longest Bench as a charm bracelet gifted to the town as a delicate piece of jewellery that can accommodate new and varied additions.

"The form of the bracelet's chain is informed by the simple seaside boardwalk together with some maths that envisages movement." That can't have been easy for Arun District Council to communicate!

In addition to the definitions, theorems, graphs and calligraphy related to a bench, I then read: "The children showed us how they use the Promenade, what they think of it, and what it means to them, giving us insights into the site we would never otherwise have.

"Two important incidents along the length of the site are the two shelters.

"The children told us they felt these were dirty and unsafe.

"They are dividing rather than connecting The Green and the beach."

So let's not be surprised when the kids take over the bench.

Responsible adults asked them for their opinion and based a decision of over 400,000 on their impressions.

A comfortable seat out of the wind and rain never stood a chance.

The web description continues with "Inspired by Boardwalks and Charm Bracelets, the structure will form a long bench which will meander around lamp-posts and rise and bend to form shelters and wind breaks, connecting and defining the Promenade as a whole, while underlining it as a string of special places."

We really shouldn't be surprised that common sense and good management were missing for this project, particularly when the website tells us that StudioWeave participated in an "International Camp for Improbable Thinking" in the Isle of Wight this month.

Jane Koszuta

Coppets Wood

Rustington

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