Tories slam Brighton council over state of twin Victoria monuments

Councillor Steve Bell, who represents Woodingdean on Brighton and Hove City Council, claimed that the council’s twin Victoria monuments have been “allowed to enter into disrepair” and that the council has fallen behind in its plans to repair the Victoria Fountain in the city centre.

The fountain, which dates back to 1846, was found to be listing and tilting by the council, with £250,000 assigned in this year’s council budget to fix it.

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Repair work, including dismantling the fountain to allow electrical and water repair works to be carried out, was due to be completed by the end of the year. However, no work has yet been undertaken.

Cllr Bell also criticised the council for allowing the city’s statue of Queen Victoria to fall into disrepair after an arm from the monument fell off.

The statue of Queen Victoria in Brighton city centre has been missing an arm for several weeks (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “Monuments such as these are highly valued by local residents and visitors to the city alike and a source of city pride. For most local authorities, such wonderful heritage assets would be looked after and be centrepieces of public parks.

“It is a great shame that the council is not maintaining or looking after its heritage. Under this council, we have seen the city’s historic lamps put up for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Madeira Terraces fall further into dilapidation.

“If you don’t respect the past, then you have no investment in the future.”

Conservative councillor Steve Bell outside the Royal Pavilion (Image: Conservative Group)

A council spokesman said severe pressures in the construction industry due to spiralling costs have caused delays to repairs for the Victoria Fountain, with two unsuccessful attempts at tendering the work.

A third tendering exercise is underway, with the council hoping to have the refurbishment completed by mid-March, depending on the weather as well as industry pressures.

The spokesman also said that, while it is not clear how damage to the statue of Queen Victoria was caused, the pieces are being kept in safekeeping.

He said: “We act quickly to appoint a local specialist to inspect the damage and make recommendations for the repair work. We are currently awaiting their report.

“We are doing our best to get the Victoria Fountain and statue repaired as soon as we can.”