Heritage conservationists have called for more protection as more seafront architecture was found up for sale on social media. 

A section of Brighton seafront railings have been spotted for sale on Facebook, causing shock for campaigners looking to preserve our heritage.

The news comes following sea front lights previously being up for sale but council bosses have told The Argus the railings now being sold were removed before protective measures were put in place.

Roger Amerena, chairman of Brighton and Hove's heritage commission, said it was disgraceful and horrifying to see the railings up for sale.

The section, said to be from Brighton seafront, is on sale for £350.

The listing, posted in Heathfield, includes three photographs of the railing and says it is “original Brighton seafront railing.”

The seller, who did not wish to be named, told The Argus: "I purchased this in 2014 from a private seller.

"She had had the railing for at least 20 years.

"In my opinion it is the people the council employ to take these things down that need the scrutiny.

"I would be happy to return this to the council if I was reimbursed what it cost, however it is heavy and rotten so I do not think it would be financially viable to be restored and used.

"I care about the conservation of these items and it would be wonderful if it could be restored and used."

 

 

The Argus: The railing was listed for sale on FacebookThe railing was listed for sale on Facebook (Image: Facebook)

The sale of seafront architecture has been the subject of controversy in recent years after two Victorian Brighton seafront lanterns were listed for sale on Facebook in 2020.

Just two days after the lights had been moved due to being a safety risk, an advert appeared online selling a pair for £575.

Colas, the contractor charged with removing the lanterns, had been instructed to try to preserve the original materials.

Mr Amerena added: “Two years and two months later our present city council has not learned.

“Once again we have discovered listed seafront railings and historic assets are for sale.

“Following the sale of Victorian seafront lights in November 2020 I proposed an independent group be set up to identify historic assets in the public domain which were listed and not listed be catalogued by a group of say twelve.

“These assets would be annotated and valued.

“This is bad management of behalf of the council and a disgrace, that our listed assets are put to the open market in this way.”

But a council spokeman said these railing predate that incident and changes in preservation.

He said: “We no longer sell or dispose of architectural of iconic infrastructure to the public. 

“A few years ago we brought in contracts with a much greater focus on protecting our heritage. 

“We think the railings in the Facebook advert may have been removed around 15 to 20 years ago as part of a refurbishment project. 

“The contract in place at that time would have allowed the contractors to dispose of them.”