‘Friends’ take over lighthouse

Sep 19 2012 by Val Woan, Heswall News

ONE of Wirral’s historic landmarks is being handed over to a “friends” group on a permanent basis.

Leasowe Lighthouse, which stands more than 100ft tall will be taken over by the group which has nurtured it over the past three decades.

During the last 18 months the Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse (FOLL) have been working with Wirral council to transfer the building in North Wirral Coastal Park into their control.

The move is part of the council’s strategic asset review, in which it aimed to transfer the responsibility for buildings across the borough to community groups.

The transfer has been approved by Wirral Council’s cabinet member for corporate resources, Cllr Adrian Jones, and the detailed lease is near completion.

Former FOLL chairman Eric Johnson said it was going to be “a big responsibility” but the group had a strong membership and was confident.

He said: “You do wonder what the costs will be and how much grant funding will be available, but it is a good move.”

The friends group was formed in 1989 when a former council ranger contacted residents to ask if they would be interested in helping preserve the building.

Cllr Jones said the transfer would result in savings and reduced maintenance costs for the council.

He said: “I understand a great deal of work has gone into their plans for the future of this much-loved historic building and the work we have done in partnership with the new trustees will ensure it has the best possible chance of succeeding long term.

“We wish them every success and hope to complete all necessary arrangements for the transfer of the lighthouse as soon as possible.”

The lighthouse was built in 1763 and was last in use as a lighthouse in 1908. It is a Grade II-listed building with a visitor centre and viewing gallery on the seventh level, which are operated by FOLL.