Seafront dome gets some loving care

A feature of the seafront for over 100 years, these distinctive domes made of copper and wood are showing major signs of wear and tear, thanks to constant battering from the elements.

But this week it was announced they might soon receive much needed attention, with money available for work to begin on one renovation.

Resident Heather Smart told the Observer that she was "overjoyed" to be told that her application for a grant from English Heritage had been successful.

Assisted by conservation advisor Robin Beardshaw, she asked for help back in 2002 - it's taken almost three years for a decision to be made. Heather said: "It is a big deal, because this will be the first cupola to be repaired along the seafront."

She believes the cupolas to be an important part of Bexhill's heritage, with their strong colonial influence and Indian design plus the link with the Maharaja Cooch Behar's association with the town.

Work should begin Mid-July, with Simon Cowley acting as site-manager, orchestrating highly skilled work which will involved putting in a new wooden structure then inserting the dome on top. Heather sees this as a first step in regeneration, and is optimistic of future work to other cupolas along Marina Arcade. When the job is done, she is looking forward to holding a ceremony to hoist a flag celebrating Bexhill's motoring history.