Work to strip back and repaint a section of Hove seafront’s railings is due to start next week. Specialist contractors will begin garnet blasting – an environmentally friendly version of sand blasting – about 300 metres of railings west of the Meeting Place cafe. The work is due to be completed by September when the first phase of the programme will pause over the autumn/winter. The restoration project is part of the council’s current programme of maintenance and improvement work along the seafront to keep it looking spectacular, welcoming and fit for the future. Earlier this year, eleven of the distinctive cucumber benches along Hove seafront were restored and repainted, with help and support from volunteers.