Visitor disappointment

My heart sank.

Why did Rother District Council accept this new seafront design when the architect had clearly no idea of what was required to make this area attractive and appealing to both residents and visitors?

The design has slavishly followed the current thinking that everything must have harsh straight lines and sharp angles. Consequently the effect is sterile and unwelcoming despite the greenery.

The practical aspects have not been addressed. Around the children’s play equipment there is ordinary turf.

Surely it’s obvious that after the temporary protective fencing comes down and it has a few weeks of use, the grass will be worn away to bare earth and then become mud whenever it rains.

The small raised kerbs are ideal for skateboarders to scrape along and cause unsightly damage. The upended slabs are just asking for graffiti; have they been given an anti-aerosol coating?

How I wish I could find something attractive in the alteration but it is another classic case of a great opportunity wasted.

Steven Sydney

Hebdon Bridge

Yorkshire