Efforts under way to get lighthouse working again

Efforts are under way to get a historic lighthouse working again after a two-tonne cable was ripped out in a storm.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners closed its west pier last week after the cable running along the harbour wall was ripped out amid Storm Boelo, dropping into the water.

The 1839 lighthouse was restored three years ago along with its twin north pier structure, at a cost of more than £140,000.

A harbour commissioners spokesperson urged people to keep away from the pier because nights were getting darker and the exposed cable presented "a very real hazard".

They said once the cable was recovered, it may be safe to continue using it for a short-time, but a replacement would have to be installed, meaning the pier would have to stay closed during work.

The spokesperson said: "This is not something we can afford to rush.

"The cable weighs around 1.5-2 tonnes, and recovering it without causing damage requires specialist lifting equipment, careful planning and the right conditions.

"Plans are in motion for its safe recovery, with the aim of restoring power to the lighthouse as soon as possible."

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