2 weeks Ago
A charity has defended its seafront garden project after some residents accused the project of being a “waste of money”. Work is under way to build Bexhill Beach Garden, a “fully accessible beach garden space” on Bexhill beach. The project, organised by environment charity Community Supporters and Bexhill Environment Group, is designed to increase biodiversity, slow coastal erosion and improve accessibility to the beach.
The garden is the brainchild of former town mayor Lynn Langlands. When complete, it will include an access ramp, boardwalk and decked areas, native planting, education boards, upgraded accessible toilet facility, disabled parking and "sympathetic artworks". The plants are a natural barrier to erosion and their roots help to secure the loose shingle and protect it from being washed away.
One resident shared photos of the garden being washed over by high tides in recent stormy weather, calling the project “wasted money”. He said: “This isn't the highest tides of the year yet. The worst is yet to come.
” Community Supporters said the fencing collapsed become someone had stolen the metal clasps holding them in place (Image: Michael Patrick Matthews) While some agreed, and questioned if money might be best spent elsewhere, others were quick to praise the “lovely” project. Community Supporters took to social media to allay concerns. It said: “The site was monitored yesterday and although some of the photos you may have seen looked bad there was actually no damage or adverse effects, other than the fact someone had stolen the metal clasps holding the fencing in place, hence it fell over.
“It is worth noting that this project is also not just about inclusion, it's also exploring ways to improve coastal biodiversity and slow coastal erosion. It's never been done before, so in some ways it's a bit of a shot in the dark. “The project has been designed to mitigate as many potential issues as possible, but it is outdoors and open to the elements, so not completely infallible.
” The project had a fundraising target of £52,000 and received large donations from Rother District Council and Garfield Weston as well as smaller donations from various trusts and charities and money raised by crowdfunding..
