Dulux deal over Jacob’s Ladder paint job
Jacob's Ladder showing signs of wear. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 1201-19-13AW - Credit: Archant
COUNCIL bosses have saved taxpayers’ cash and handed Sidmouth a promotional boost by striking a deal with Dulux over a much-needed paint job for Jacob’s Ladder.
Jacob's Ladder showing signs of wear. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 1199-19-13AW - Credit: Archant
The move will see the landmark and town used in the leading national manufacturer’s marketing material.
Work on the deteriorating seafront tourist attraction started on Wednesday as residents raised concerns over its poor state.
East Devon District Council’s deal with Dulux will see the white paint for the stairway supplied by the firm free of charge, in return for it being able to use Jacob’s Ladder for marketing purposes.
The authority will still spend £11,000 on scaffolding and labour and has blamed wet and cold weather for a delay in the work being carried out.
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A council spokesman said: “In order to minimise inconvenience to the public – especially visitors – work was scheduled to start immediately after Easter and be completed in time for the half-term holidays at the end of May.
“An additional weather delay meant that work could only start this week.
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“Despite that hold-up, contractors will be doing their best to meet the half-term deadline.
“However, once work starts, it cannot be interrupted and if it over-runs the stairway may have to remain closed for all or part of half-term.
“Contractors started erecting scaffolding on Wednesday.
“The old paint will be stripped off before new coats of paint are added to give the local landmark a fresh gloss finish.”
The Herald reported last year how the council decided in February 2012 to include cash in its budget to spruce up Jacob’s Ladder and seafront railings and signs.
Members had been warned at the time that the unique stairway up to Connaught Gardens could have to be shut off from the public – or even taken down – due to its state of disrepair.
