Sheerness is to finally get a facelift.

Swale council is asking companies to tender for the job of repainting the town's lampposts and bollards.

The news was greeted with delight by Phil Crowder, the new chairman of the Sheerness Town Team.

He said: "We first highlighted the depressing state of the town back in June 2016 in an audit of street furniture. A spruce-up is long overdue."

Kent County Council had originally insisted only its approved contractor could do the job.

Swale councillor Cameron Beart (Con, Halfway and Queenborough) said: "The original order was placed around March last year and was due to be finished by June.

"KCC insisted we use their contractor and a contractor was appointed. But they never did the work.

"Now KCC appears to have finally loosened its grip and allowed SBC to find its own contractor for the town centre furniture refurbishment.

"Hopefully with an open tender process, the council will be able to appoint a local contractor and get better value for money, which is what we always wanted."

The tender was formally announced on Monday last week.

It includes 23 lampposts, 47 signposts, 16 benches, eight cycle racks and 105 bollards along Sheerness High Street and The Broadway.

The work will take place from the top of the High Street at Bridge Road down to the clock tower, and then along Broadway to the Trinity Road roundabout.

Qualified applicants will need to provide a plan and costs to clean and repaint the street furniture in the town’s official colour of marine blue.

The paint will need to be weather resistant and protect the steelwork against corrosion.

Cllr Monique Bonney, cabinet member for economy and property at the council, said: "Sheerness High Street is an important part of the island, and it’s crucial that we clean and repaint the street furniture for residents and visitors.

“We’re committed to supporting our local high streets around the borough and welcome tenders from all qualified contractors, especially local firms.”

Swale council wants the work to start on Wednesday, April 1, and be finished by Tuesday, June 30 this year. Applications must be lodged with the council by noon on Wednesday, March 25.

The tender notice says: "We're looking for a contractor to carry out refurbishment and repainting of street furniture within a defined area in Sheerness town centre. You'll carry out the work in accordance with detailed specifications and you'll be responsible for establishing and working within the appropriate parameters and traffic management requirements for the sites."

Sheerness artist Richard Jeferies, 55, from James Street previously submitted a suggestion to paint different, more colourful designs on all the town's bollards as part of a public art project.

He was responsible for repainting the ship's figurehead in Marine Parade, Sheerness, and the mural on the seawall at Beachfields. In a separate scheme, the clock tower is also due to be repainted and floodlit.

For more information about submitting a tender on the council’s e-portal visit www.swale.gov.uk/refurbishment-of-street-furniture.

For more information about other opportunities around the borough visit www.swale.gov.uk/tendering-opportunities.

Build a bridge?

Swale council is also asking companies to design, build and install a new footbridge across the canal at Barton’s Point Coastal Park, Sheerness.

A tender notice was published on Monday last week to replace the original wooden bridge. A temporary floating pontoon is now in place.

Councillors want the work to start on Monday, July 6, and be finished by Saturday, September 5.

The contract calls for a single span, low arched footbridge and associated works in a “robust, durable and long-lasting material.”

The deadline to apply on the council’s website is 9am on Monday, April 20.

Toilet job

Swale council also wants a firm to design, supply and install new public toilets at The Leas, Minster.

Work is to begin on May 18, and be finished by July 24.

The contract includes designing, supplying and installing a “fully compliant ‘turn-key’ modular toilet” along with foundations, drainage and connection to water and electricity.

Businesses must complete an expression of interest and an invitation to tender by noon on Monday, March 9.

New boss

Phil Crowder, 59, a former postman from Galway Road, Sheerness, was voted in at the Sheerness Town Team's annual meeting on Tuesday.

He replaces retired businessman Brian Spoor who stood down because he is now a member of Sheerness Town Council and thought there could be a clash of interest.

Mr Crowder, a keen environmentalist who is behind a plastic-free campaign for the town, said: "My first official task is thank Brian for all his hard work and dedication to the cause and my second is to thank the small band of volunteers we have who make all our ideas happen."

He added: "I am willing to listen to ideas from shopkeepers and the public to encourage more people to use the high street so our shops and businesses can survive and prosper."

The Town Team has been responsible for the town's Christmas lights and annual switch-on ceremonies. To contact Phil email him at crowderpj@aol.com

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