Whitby West Pier Lighthouse closed to public
20 February
Whitby’s West Pier lighthouse will remain
closed to the public for the foreseeable future following a
detailed inspection, carried out as part of a wider review of the
condition of harbour assets.
It 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, and some corrosion to metal straps which form part
of the internal structure.
Whitby Harbour Board chairman, Cllr 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.
“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.
“Along with work we are carrying out on a
new West Pier extension bridge, piling work in Endeavour Wharf and
improvements to the piers and pier extensions identified in the
Whitby Coastal Strategy 2 report, currently out to public
consultation, it confirms that the condition of the harbour remains
a high priority of the Harbour Board.
“The work to the West Pier lighthouse is a
small, but very important part of a much wider regeneration
picture.”
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.