Bayard’s Cove is given the “London Look” as repainting continues.

Benches at Bayards Cove were being repainted black when a resident, who disliked the colour, demanded workmen from South Hams District Council stop work. Complying with the demand of one of Bayards Cove residents, the first five benches were left to dry cordoned off to avoid the wet paint being a hazard. The painting will continue however at the request of County Councillor, Jonathan Hawkins.

County Councillor, Jonathan Hawkins, explained: “South Hams District Council are doing the re-painting of the benches as part of their general maintenance which they do annually. It was requested by me after consultation with stakeholders, a working group consisting of the ex-mayor of Dartmouth, Rob Lyons, The Dartmouth Green Partnership represented by Stevie Rogers and Peter Martin, representing the residents of Bayards Cove.

“With the coming of Mayflower 400, we’ve had SHDC officers at Bayards Cove with that in mind and had some quick wins with hanging baskets put up by Dartmouth Green Partnership in the Spring this year. It is a result of my consultation with stakeholders in the community about how we can improve Bayards Cove.

“The lamp posts have been painted and, in agreement with the working group, I have just ordered three new black bins, in black trimmed with gold paint, to match the look at the cost of £700 from SHDC’s locality fund. We hope that perhaps we can get some section 106 funding [funding set aside by developers for public works] so we continue with further improvements.”