A SURVEY which will help protect two Dovercourt landmarks for the future can finally go ahead after an agreement was reached. 

Commissioned in 1862 and built the following year the Dovercourt Leading Lights, a pair of steel-framed towers which guided ships around the Harwich peninsular until 1917, are owned by Tendring Council.

Condition surveys carried out in 2018 and 2019 found no significant issues with the structures but highlighted areas for further investigation, and work was also carried out at the time to tackle pest control on the towers.

Now a further structural and condition study is required to understand how the structures have changed since 2019 in order to put together a programme of works to protect them.

Following discussions the National Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed cash left over from a £250,000 grant it awarded to the council for Clacton 150 anniversary celebrations can be used to pay for the study.

Alex Porter, Tendring councillor responsible for leisure and tourism, said: “The Leading Lights are iconic, featuring in so many photos of Dovercourt, as well as an important part of the area’s history, so we are keen to see them preserved

"To protect them in the long-term it would be prudent to find a viable use for them – to break the cycle of damage by the elements and un-funded repairs – and this updated survey is the next step in securing this.

“We are very grateful to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for their support, not only with Clacton 150 but also their pragmatism in allowing us to use the small underspend to support this other important heritage project in our area.”

Garry Calver, Tendring councillor, added: “This is the latest step in what has been a very complex project and it is clear that I still have the support of the administration in regard to the refurbishment of these iconic structures. 

“Officers are keeping me fully briefed and it is clear that everyone is working together to complete this important project.  This is very good news indeed.”

A contractor to carry out the study will now be identified following the agreement of the funding.