Lighthouse shut amid fears of collapse

A detailed inspection, which has been conducted as part of a review of Whitby Harbour’s assets, has revealed the historic building is suffering from structural faults and is starting to decay.

Work to repair the lighthouse, and its sister structure on the East Pier, is expected to cost in the region of £200,000.

And although the work will eventually be carried out by Scarborough Borough Council, more urgent repairs to the town’s harbour, which have been identified as part of a pioneering new coastal strategy, are set to be prioritised.

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 said: “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, 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.”

The lighthouse, which along with East Pier itself is listed, was built in 1854, most probably from Aislaby sandstone and stands about 55ft tall.