Reprieve for lighthouse

THE Newhaven East Pier lighthouse, earmarked for demolition, has been given a reprieve.

Newhaven Port and Properties had planned to tear down the tower and block off the pier because of vandalism.

The structure, which has acted as a beacon for ships and boats since 1928, had become a target for yobs throwing bricks and stones.

The pier has also been used as a platform for hooligans to lob objects at the Hoverspeed Superseacat fast ferry. Last year its captain was forced to call police when youths dived in front of it as it docked.

But port manager Steve Buhlman said an office move nearer to the lighthouse had allowed him and harbour staff to keep a closer eye on it and young hooligans.

He said: 'We have moved our supervisor's office to the East Quay and the pier is under scrutiny. We are prepared to see if the vandalism continues and if it does we will review the decision. We would like to keep the East Pier open to the public.'

The pier is a popular location for walkers, fishermen and sightseers. However, if problems re-occur during the summer the decision to take down the lighthouse will be reconsidered.

In the past the lighthouse's 500 bulbs have been regularly smashed by vandals. As a result it was planned to replace them with hi-tech LED navigation lights along the pier side for ships up to six miles out at sea to identify their position. High security fencing, similar to that used in prisons, would cut off the end section of the pier.