Shelters - having your say

The Observer braved the sea breezes to find out what the people are saying.

Cornish artist Cosmic, who grew up in Bexhill, came down for a look.

He said: “I have got mixed opinions. It’s very interesting hearing local people’s views. There is strong local opinion and I don’t believe there has been enough consultation with local people - so there is no compromise.

“It does appear to be a sub-standard design.”

Cosmic said he’d been proud to be part of Bexhill because of the unique design of the DLWP and the contrast with its immediate surroundings which he thought was “cool and cute.”

He added: “Now that contrast doesn’t exist.”

Veronica Scott from Catsfield said of the new shelter: “I think that it cost a lot of money. I think it would have been better had it brought in the colours from the sea and the surroundings rather than have this dark rough-hewn wood which is horrible and tacky to touch.”

Ann Norris from Hastings asked: “Is this supposed to be a shelter? I think this is a lot of work, and it probably cost a lot of money.”

Ann Brenchley over from Eastbourne said: “You do get a good view of the sea. It is not like the back-to-back type where one half of people see the sea. It is comfortable... but too deep for me.”

Roger Clayton-Pierce from Sutton Place said he hoped the Next Wave style would not be adopted on his end of the seafront.

“This is only a part shelter - if the wind is in the right direction. I think it is a bit of a waste of time. There are about three spaces in the corner where you are protected from anything, unless the wind is in the wrong direction, in which case you are not protected at all.

“I could say it looks straight from something that is on exhibition at the DLWP.

“The dictionary definition of a shelter would not apply to this.”

“It’s different,” said Steve Grant and his wife Wendy over from Eastbourne.

“I don’t dislike it. It takes a bit of getting used to.”

Lucas Dupe of Barnhorn Road commented: “It is awful, to be honest. The idea is you can see the sea when you are sitting back in there...but you are going to get wet when it’s raining. Are we hoping to encourage people to come here? It’s crazy. It is almost offensive. And it’s flimsy - a strong wind will pull some of those top struts off.”

Chris and Leonard Newell are also local, and live in Cooden Drive.

Chris said: “I don’t think they are very good at all. It doesn’t really protect you. What about the wind?

“I think of our gales and very cold weather. Do they think anyone will come down and walk along the seafront in winter? We always used to sit in the shelter.”

Bill Mepham from Ninfield looked over the shelter with his wife Heather.

“I think it is terrible.” said Heather. “I would not have it in my garden even for free.

“And I think it is dangerous. You let your grandchildren run along the seafront but they could be out the back of this onto the road. And that gap creates a draught.”

Bill added: “It looks like a temporary shed to me. It is so impractical. Everything about it is wrong.”

Alfred Fuzzard of Sutherland Avenue, out walking with wife Jean, asked: “What was wrong with the old ones?

“I think this is a disgrace. What is it going to look like in 12 months’ time? It is a home for graffiti. To be honest, it’s a waste of money.

“There was nothing wrong with the old shelters in the first place.

“Looking back down here all you can see is rubbish bins and black bins. What was wrong with the old ones we had - they were lovely.”

Liz Raybard of Uckfield was enjoying the seafront with son George on his bike and their dog Eddie.

Liz said she had “very mixed feelings” about the changes, especially the shelters, and was not aware that Next Wave items such as wooden poles linked with rope were actually there for children to play on.

“I am not one who minds change but I think I preferred it before,” she said.

“It is not all that obvious. The wood with the rope there - is that for my child to play on?

“But the biggest mistake they have made is getting rid of the old shelters. I think they would have tied in beautifully with everything else. I don’t think you have to get rid of it all. It kind of works in a way but I think they should have kept the old shelters. I think it is a shame.”

The last residents to speak to the Observer were Joyce and Joe Cullen of Cranfield Road.

As had others, Joe questioned the finish, quality of materials, and workmanship.

“It’s not finished. All these nails are showing where they have been banged in. They will rust in two weeks’ time.

“The concrete floor is not finished... and I think they could have put a decent piece of wood in, this looks like fencing. They should have used something like cedar, this will need maintenance regularly.

Joyce said: “We were sitting here the other day on a not particularly windy day - the draught was coming in, and we had no chance.”

She commented: “We are old and we appreciated how it was. I do love seeing the children play but they have everything in the park, and they can play on the beach, whereas I’m old and I can’t get on the beach now.”

The final word was from Eastbourne visitors Paul Johnstone, with wife Chris, who said: “We’ve come over to have a look. I must say I am very impressed. I love the shelters. They look as if they will deflect wind which is what they are for. When the planting grows it is going to be fabulous.”