A way forward in the race against time to save the historic Leading Lighthouses and Causeway in Dovercourt has been set out by Tendring District Council (TDC).

Surveys from accredited heritage experts and commissioned by the council – with support from Historic England – have revealed the iconic structures are at risk of being lost if preservation works are not carried out in the next three to five years – at an estimated cost of around £3million.

TDC has swiftly put in motion plans to try to save the much-loved heritage assets, paying for an initial Expression of Interest bid to secure the funding needed for the conservation project.

The authority has also earmarked £330,000 from Section 106 money to meet match-funding requirements for the overall scheme to secure the Leading Lights’ future.

Victorian structures, the Leading Lights guided ships around the deep-water Harwich peninsular until 1917 and are of historical significance as they are believed to be the only remaining pair of iron leading lights in England.

Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Assets, said the urgency from the structural and condition surveys – and the time needed to secure funding and complete the works – meant doing nothing was not an option.

“We are committed to promoting our heritage and protecting it for future generations, and we know just how important the Leading Lights are to the local community,” Councillor Kotz said.

“With just three to five years to save them before significant damage is done, we are moving quickly to try to secure the funding needed to save these landmarks – which have perhaps immeasurable historic value.

“This means not only working now on the necessary funding bids to partners in Historic England and the Heritage Fund, but also putting up some of our available money to show our commitment to preserving these precious icons, which are vulnerable to the marine environment they are part of.

“Of course, this is only achievable if we can secure the required funding as this is a scheme beyond the ability of Tendring District Council to accomplish alone.”

While full details will be worked up during the funding application phase, TDC’s ambition is to not just save the Leading Lights, but to also undertake education, interpretation and community engagement work as part of the project.

A video featuring exclusive footage inside the lighthouses and an overview of their history can be found here:

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