TURNING OFF BEACHY HEAD LIGHT 'RISKY' SAYS MP

Eastbourne & Willingdon MP Nigel Waterson has hit out at a proposal to turn off the light in the Beachy Head Lighthouse.  The proposal is part of a consultation document published by Trinity House, the body responsible for navigational aids around our coasts.

Nigel commented:  “I naturally appreciate that merchant shipping now relies on satellite navigation, although this is not always foolproof.  But thousands of recreational sailors still rely on the light at Beachy Head.”

“This section of coast is fraught with dangers for the unwary, especially the Beachy Head shelf and strong currents in the vicinity.  Fog makes it even more hazardous.  No wonder there has been a light here since at least 1670.”

“I believe switching off the light would be a risky move, and I hope local seagoers will express their concerns as part of the consultation.”

The current lighthouse was commissioned in 1902.  It gives two white flashes every 20 seconds and has a range of 20 nautical miles.

12th January 2010