Residents brand St Leonards metal supports an 'eyesore'

They were put up following the demolition of the Battle Road arches in Silverhill, which the borough council said cost the authority more than £1.16 million.

But residents say the area remains untidy and unkempt.

They commented on the Observer's Facebook page.

Judith Haffenden said: “Absolute eyesore, apart from the Buddleias growing there.”

Catherine Scott said: “Just put some big planted pots there and clean it up.”

Charles Stewart said: “People should start throwing wild seeds and grass seeds into the area and over time they will germinate.”

Others suggested ideas to regenerate the area.

Louise Marie Taylor said: “Great for a market. A bit of a clean-up with a touch of imagination.”

And Adrian Johnson said: “Would make a great little community allotments/garden. I'm sure a few people locally who don't have a garden may be keen.”

Pete Atkins said: “Maybe create a fake embankment out of something that won't affect the metal structure underneath?”

But Jane Wood said: “It’s made like that for structural safety, not to look nice.”

Residents in the area have complained about the structure, nicknamed The Cage, for several years.

In 2024, Cllr Billie Barnes, Hastings borough councillor for Silverhill, said people were 'frustrated by The Cage' and said it needed sorting but 'done in such a way that it does not disrupt the whole community'.

Work to demolish the Battle Road arches started more than five years ago.

In March 2021, Battle Road was shut for six days so temporary concrete protection blocks could be installed as part of the demolition works.

The steps from Battle Road up to the rear of the properties on Silverlands Road were also permanently closed.

Demolition of the structure was unexpectedly delayed several times and was due to be complete in spring 2022.

The issue with the Battle Road arches first came about in May 2020 when the council obtained a court order, under Section 77 of the Building Act 1984, requiring the owners of 2-12 Battle Road to remove the danger posed by the structure either by repairing or demolishing it, within 16 weeks, it said.

The council said at the time that it became aware of structural problems at 2-12 Battle Road when a councillor highlighted their concerns to the planning enforcement and building control teams.

Demolition work was completed in March 2023.

A council spokesperson said: “The Battle Road arches were demolished to prevent them collapsing into the road and causing damage to the homes above. The support structure remains in place for safety reasons.

“We recognise residents’ concerns about the appearance of the site. However, the land is privately owned and responsibility for its maintenance, including clearing litter and vegetation, rests with the landowner.”