What is happening to Brighton's seafront lights?

Workers on Brighton seafront are removing lanterns and brackets, which have deteriorated after decades of harsh conditions.

The lights which sit below cast-iron tops with city’s coat of arms are being replaced with temporary lanterns.

The work is carried out by Brighton and Hove City Council contractor, Colas.

Inspections of more than 80 lanterns on Marine Parade and Madeira Drive found 20 posed an immediate safety risk and should be removed and replaced urgently.

These were removed last year.

At the time, the company came under fire after an Argus investigation discovered two lights being sold on Facebook.

Responding to the incident, "horrified" city council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty threatened to tear up the company's £15 million contract.

The city has a long-standing relationship with Colas going back to 2005 and it responded by publishing photos that appeared to show the lights in storage.

Forty more are now being replaced, which is the work currently being undertaken on Brighton seafront.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "A project to restore Brighton and Hove’s historic seafront lighting is underway.

"The first stage of the project will involve making safe the heritage listed lanterns and brackets, which have deteriorated following decades of exposure to the harsh seafront conditions, as well as suffering corrosion and general wear and tear.

"These will be taken down and replaced with temporary lighting which will be in place for at least 18 months. This is what is happening at present.

"The lanterns and brackets will be safely stored while restoration and design work is carried out in partnership with Historic England and leading industry streetlighting experts.

"The lamppost columns, which hold up the brackets and lanterns, will remain in place.

"Once the first phase of making safe and the design work is completed the second phase of reinstating the iconic design will begin in early 2022.”

Contractors have been instructed to try and preserve the original materials wherever possible and an independent consultancy firm who specialise in lighting will be working with English Heritage to consider long term solutions to restore the historic lanterns.

Amy Heley, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee said: “We need to carry out this work urgently as some of the lighting now poses a risk to public safety.

“Our seafront lighting is an iconic part of the city and we will be looking at options for replacing the lanterns so that we don’t lose any of that visual history, but the safety of our residents and visitors is a key priority.

“The lanterns will be replaced with temporary lighting to ensure the areas are well lit and safe for people to continue using.”