LIFE’S A BEACH IN BRUM

24-04-2007

Can there really be people quibbling about Birmingham by the sea - a novel attempt to bring the beach to the city centre? It seems there can.

The £50,000 plan to bring sand and deckchairs temporarily into Chamberlain Square to create the Brummie equivalent of Paris-Sur-La-Plage has been condemned by a spokesman for the city’s Civic Society.

Stephen Hartland was quoted in the Birmingham Post saying: "I actually despair about the council. I don't know any other city, certainly not in this country and probably the world, that would use civic space with such contempt for its surroundings.

“People go to Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square to admire the architecture and to look at Birmingham's real iconic buildings. They want some peace and quiet, not beach cricket and volleyball."

Oh, come off it, Stephen. People use the city centre for all sorts of things - and sheer hedonistic enjoyment is one of them.

Anyway, in the summer they already sun themselves on the steps in front of the Central Library.

All this plan will do is extend the “bathing” space to a relatively small area in front of the steps around the fountain.

Far more worrying from The Stirrer’s point of view is the inside info we’ve received suggesting that some rather stuffy city officials are considering imposing a dress code - including a ban on women in bikinis.

You’ve got to be kidding. "Sun out, kit off" is the unwritten golden rule of the Brummie constitution.

Do you welcome the concept of Birmingham By The Sea? Leave a comment on our messageboard.