Sidmouth’s iconic deckchairs should stay say residents and vistors to town

DECKCHAIRS in Sidmouth should be kept, say many residents and visitors to the town.

Tom Griffiths, who owned the deckchair concession and 11 of the 25 beach huts at Jacob’s Ladder, recently retired, ending his franchise of over 30 years on the Sidmouth seafront, writes Joy Ng.

Tom worries that a council move may see the deckchairs disappearing from Sidmouth completely which “would be a complete disaster”.

David O’Brien, 55, of Temple Street in Sidmouth said: “The deckchairs are part of Sidmouth’s look. It would be a shame if Sidmouth were to lose them as they are iconic to the seaside.”

Mr Hughes, a visitor from Bournemouth said: “At my age you really need deckchairs to enjoy the seaside. Sidmouth should definitely keep them.”

Tom’s deckchairs have been seen on the Sidmouth seafront since 1986 and “are part of the scenery on the beach,” says one man from Sidmouth, who adds: “I can’t see them going.”

Alice Wainwright, 20, visitor from Exeter said: “Sidmouth is your typical seaside town, so it should be standard to have deckchairs here.”

Steve Hurst, 46, of Manor Road, Sidmouth said: “I don’t tend to use them but it would be a great shame to see them go as they are used a lot by the older generation.”

Tom Whelan, 22, of Primley Road, Sidmouth said: “It would not be good idea to get rid of the deckchairs on the seafront. They give Sidmouth its trademark and they are an icon to the seaside.”

An East Devon District Council (EDDC) spokesperson said: “A new invitation to tender for the deckchair concession will go out after Christmas.

“The EDDC hope to continue to provide deckchairs in Sidmouth.”