Reading the article about the Brighton bandstand by Tim Ridgway (The Argus, September 3), I was amazed rust problems are already being reported on such newly refurbished ornate pieces of wrought ironwork.
Since working for Mirlyn Metal Workers in Hove, I have learnt that when new or refurbished ironwork has been made, its best chance of a long lifespan is to be totally dipped and a galvanised finish applied. Seeing and inspecting the various metalworks fitted during their 62 years in business, there is no excuse to have anything not galvanised in sections and then bolted back together on site, again with galvanised or stainless steel fixings.
With the salty sea and air on the seafront, the bandstand will need scraping back and repainting every year.
No 12-month warranty fixes will hold off that eventual rust which will again affect the fabric of such fine original ornate craftswork.
The bandstand should not have been left to rot in the first place. Funding is often spent on less critical things such as the replacement of those original street signs, just disposed of.
They could have been sold to local taxpayers, therefore funding the new signs.
Gordon Dinnage
Mirlyn Metalworkers
Coleridge Street, Hove
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here