St Mary's Lighthouse fact-finding work begins 30/11/05

Historic St Mary's Lighthouse will be undergoing some exploratory work over coming weeks to provide information on its current condition.

North Tyneside Council has contracted Trinity House - the General Lighthouse Authority for England and Wales - to carry out a specialist survey of the landmark built over 100 years ago.

After 86 years of service the lighthouse was sold to North Tyneside Council in 1984.

The survey, which will require scaffolding and a cradle to be erected around the building, will provide the Council with information to support future maintenance of the lighthouse.

In January further work, funded by a £150,000 grant from Tyne and Wear Partnerships, is also due to begin on the headland side of St Mary's Island to improve public access.

A new ramp will be constructed, making it easier for visitors in wheelchairs and those with children in pushchairs to access the lighthouse from the car park.

This work is expected to be completed in March.

Julia Stafford, Libraries and Museums Manager for North Tyneside Council said: " We know that the lighthouse is a well loved local landmark. This survey is being carried out to provide us with a comprehensive report on the condition of the lighthouse that will help us plan future maintenance or development work."

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