THE railings at The Ham alongside the Riverside Walk will shortly be replaced.

The work is part of a collaboration between Sidmouth Town Council, project lead Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub and visual arts and culture charity Sidmouth School of Art.

The new infrastructure is being funded by Sidmouth Town Council with support from the Arts Council England, the Keith Owen Fund (Sid Vale Association), the Arts Society Sidmouth and Devon County Council as part of the community participation project.

The aim is to revitalise the Riverside Walkway and is a community-based scheme to improve the public walkway including the creation of outdoor galleries, a brass rubbing trail highlighting heritage and biodiversity, new seating, signage and planting.

The project will deliver a coherent innovative scheme, regenerating the riverside walkway and providing an attractive outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The design will draw on the natural environment and heritage of the area through art, planting and information including an interactive brass rubbing trail, seating creating social spaces alongside planters and artwork, combining visual and written information for an improved look and experience.

The physical infrastructure will be improved by the with the new riverside railings and lighting and the old seating replaced.

Bat and dark sky friendly lighting will be installed, balancing safety and increased use of the area with conservation.

New way-finding signage will better connect the walkway to its surrounds.

The initiative will also involve Sidmouth In Bloom, Sid Valley Biodiversity Group, Sidmouth Museum and a range of community groups and schools as active participants co-creating the artwork, key to generating ownership and responsible stewardship.

A series of artist led workshops with printmaker Emma Molony will enable young and older people to get involved in shaping the artwork.

The removal of the older railings which require replacement is the first phase of this new project and the next phase in the continuation of a long-term plan by the council to improve The Ham recreation space and environment while working in partnership with community groups.

Works commencing next Tuesday (May 2) and taking approximately two weeks will see the old railings replaced by brushed chrome ones.

During this time, the Riverside Walk pathway will be temporarily closed for safety reasons while contractors work on the scheme.