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Samples of new seating for Deal Pier have been installed.
Dover District Council is testing two designs as part of its £500,000 revamp.
Residents are inviting to share their views.
The benches are made from iroko, a hard wood which is ideal for coastal environments.
It’s the same wood as the café on the end of the pier and will eventually weather to the same colour.
The tender will specify that the wood must be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
A statement on DDC's official Facebook page said: "There are two designs, straight and curved edge.
"Why not give them a try and let us know what you think.
"You can comment on our Facebook page
, or speak to our pier attendants who are keeping a record of preferences.
"We’re looking to tender the works in the next few weeks.
"The new benches will be installed following the resurfacing works which will start in March."
David White, chairman of The Deal Society, has welcomed the step forward but said he is dismayed that the café at the end of the pier is still closed.
He said: "As we move towards spring and we get more weekends of good weather we need the pier café to be open.
"The pier is an important attraction to visitors as well as a loved facility for residents and anglers.
"We are particularly concerned that the council has admitted that the small kitchen may be a problem in attracting an operator to the pier and we urge them to treat the appointment of a new operator fir the café as an urgent matter."
The unit has been closed since January 1 after former occupant Jasin Kaplan's lease was terminated by mutual agreement with DDC.
It followed an alleged disagreement between them over opening hours of the pier.
Last year the structure celebrated 60 years. It was made out of concrete to replace a former irom pier.
The landmark and restaurant were also used for filming of ITV’s hit drama Liar.