BREAKING NEWS - Lighthouse to close
Scenesetter West Pier Lighthouse Picture by Neil Silk w120801b 20/02/12
WHITBY’S West Pier lighthouse has closed to the public indefinitely.
A detailed inspection, commissioned by Scarborough Borough Council revealed structural faults to the central column which supports the spiral staircase running through the centre of the lighthouse, built more than 170 years ago out of local sandstone.
Whitby Harbour Board chairman, Coun Mike Cockerill, said: “We do not consider it safe enough to allow public access at this time.
“We are currently seeking expert advice about the best way to address the situation, but public safety is our paramount concern and it’s not something we take chances with.”
Whitby Harbour Board set out its intention to inspect all of the harbour assets soon after it was formed last year and in the last eight months a number of reports have been compiled.
When all of the reviews have been completed, a plan will be put in place which sets out a timetable of work in the harbour, with funding sought to see assets repaired or improved.
Coun Cockerill added: “We have received initial estimates in the region of £200,000 to carry out repairs to the West Pier lighthouse and its sister structure on the East Pier.
“The work to the West Pier lighthouse is a small, but very important part of a much wider regeneration picture.”
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Weather for Whitby
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
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Comments
There are 4 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Peter Avinou
Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 07:31 AMIt seems that Whitby Council should be urgently having a look at all that is in their Town. Why should these things have to await the delayed actions of SBC. Who is on the spot?
Whitby Folk
Friday, February 24, 2012 at 08:11 PMWhy is this in the 'Entertainment' section??
Colin Winspear
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 02:55 PMDamned if they do damned if they don't. Is it not possible that there is a new broom at SBC that has finally started to listen? SBC version of Whitby Harbour Board is 1 year old, it immediately set about working on the piers problems, having already completed some badly needed work on the East Pier extension.That pier now has been given priority status to be sorted including the replacement of its own footbridge. It was met with total harassment when the West Pier footbridge was closed. Again after seemingly so many comments about it's condition went ignored apparently. Give the new broom a break and some breathing space to get its job done. We'll soon let it know if it starts slacking..
John Field
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:36 AMTo put it mildly, this is disappointing. Local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of the lighthouse. These concerned have repeatedly been brushed aside. After endless delay, we now have a decision to do what? To delay until SBC receives 'expert advice'. Meanwhile, the lighthouses and the piers will presumably continue to degenerate. Given SBC's track record so far, is it not time for another body to take over responsibility for Whitby's heritage?
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