Second new coat of paint in 15 years for Sidmouth’s famous Esplanade railings

SEAFRONT railings at Sidmouth are being given a makeover – at a cost of �16,000.

It is only the second time in 15 years that the railings have been painted.

Subcontractors from Moretonhampstead are carrying out the work, which involves sanding down, rust treating, undercoating and painting the 750 metre length of Esplanade railings in a dark Brunswick Green.

One of the workmen on site this week, who described the colour as “British Racing Green” told the Sidmouth Herald: “We started work last week and the work will take about four or five weeks, it depends on the weather.”

The same company painted Jacob’s Ladder a few years ago.

A spokesman for East Devon District Council, who contracted the work, said the re-paint was part of routine maintenance “to protect the railings from falling into disrepair and eventually needing to be replaced.”

Just last June complaints were made by Sidmouth town councillors about the state of the railings, but EDDC said it could not justify the cost but would make provision in the 2011 budget.

The colour chosen is, says EDDC: “Designed to reduce for as long as possible the visual impact of rust coming through from the metal below, due to the railings being in a marine environment.

Mark Seward, retiring president of Sidmouth and District Hospitality Association, told members at its annual meeting on Tuesday: “I am delighted to see that the Esplanade’s famous railings are currently being refurbished and painted a smart deep Regency green.”