'˜Why £470,000 Lottery project may prove to be white elephant'

When the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced they were awarding the money to allow Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) to reopen the 128ft Spurn Lighthouse to the public, the road to the point still existed.

But since then access has deteriorated, with a breach created by the tidal surge in 2013, becoming permanent.

People now have to do the six mile round trip to the lighthouse on foot, cycle or take YWT transport, bearing in mind high tide times when the headland is inaccessible.

Nearby resident Kevin Simpson wonders how many people will make the “monumental” effort it requires and believes its hazards have been “glossed over or totally ignored” in dozens of media reports.

The retired administrator from Patrington said: “Recently the YWT strongly advised fishermen not to venture onto the point; notices have been erected advising the public of the dangers of the tides and weather conditions.

“Tourists have already been stranded on the point and rescues have been made when foolhardy people have attempted to wade across the breach.

“The YWT has already spent a considerable amount of money purchasing a second-hand, ex-military, six-wheel drive vehicle to gain access to the point, which is now regularly an island, but from April it would appear that the YWT will be encouraging visitors onto the point.

“Is there a tragedy waiting to happen? I sincerely hope not.”

Mr Simpson, from Patrington, said he was surprised that the deteriorating state of the road had not put paid to the plans.

And he questioned why HLF had gone ahead with the expenditure, given the problems of access.

As far back as April 2013 a senior coastal engineer at East Riding Council said access to the lighthouse via the peninsular was a “concern”, adding: “Until an alternative safe access can be assured I feel approval of the development should be withheld.”

HLF said the project, along with a new visitor centre, intended to “open up the wide and diverse heritage of Spurn to a much wider audience than previously.”

A spokesman said “increasing public access” was a priority and while its committee had been aware of the risks, it felt the “heritage at risk was of sufficient importance to be supported.”

He added: “Welfare facilities, including shelters, drink-making facilities, and toilets are being provided on the peninsula and link in with an extensive path and interpretation network so that the trip to the Point and back is both safe and entertaining.”

YWT said the official opening will be on the Easter weekend of March 27 to March 28.

However due to the nature of the building and tides on the day it may have to be ticketed tours.

Director of Development Jonathan Leadley said they were looking forward to the opening: “YWT recognise that some people believe that Spurn Lighthouse should not have been restored based on its accessibility, but many people have wholeheartedly supported this project too and are excited to see work taking place on the lighthouse and to hear of the plans to open it to the public for the first time this Easter. The Trust is working on a number of options to ensure the Spurn Lighthouse experience can be enjoyed by all and is accessible to many. In spite of the access challenges we felt this iconic building was worthy of saving.”