Brighton changes traditional blue paint for railings to save cash

The distinctive shade of turquoise that is used for Brighton’s seafront railings has been changed to a different shade to save money.

The original aquamarine colour, known as Brighton Blue, has been used in the city for more than 100 years – but Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) has opted for a similar shade known as RAL light green.

Some people are concerned by the change, stating that the original colour is part of Brighton’s heritage and brand.

BHCC says it is using a specialist long-lasting paint to protect the cast ironwork which is the closest available match to the original oil-based paint, and that it has a duty “to make every pound stretch as far as it can”.

Brighton resident Claire Blyth, co founder of Red Setter, a design-focused PR agency, told BBC Radio Sussex: “Obviously it’s going to look better freshly painted, but the specific shade has been used for over 100 years.

“It’s part of our history. It’s one of the things people think of when they think of Brighton.

“It’s part of Brighton’s brand. Cities spend huge amounts of money trying to create an association with that sort of brand.

“The council have [already] made a commitment to preserving Brighton’s heritage,. This colour of blue is part of its heritage. It’s not just the physical structures, it’s the details which give it part of its identity.”