FEARS have been raised a historic ship hoped to be a major tourist attraction will not be moored at Harwich.

Concerns for the future of the LV18 have come after the project, which was initially given the green light by Tendring Council, was reviewed.

The original decision to moor the last-manned lightship at Harwich Quay was called in and discussed in private at the latest full council meeting.

Although the council has agreed to go ahead with work at the quay for a ship to be berthed there, all the details of the LV18 have been removed.

This could mean another ship is given a home at the quay instead. But owners of the LV18, The Pharos Trust, were shocked and saddened by the announcement after months of work to secure the project.

Colin Crawford, of the trust, said when plans were originally put forward to Tendring Council there were 88 letters of support and only one objection.

“The trust is extremely disappointed at the decision by Tendring Council,” he said.

“The Pharos Trust volunteers have spent over 10 years painstakingly restoring the vessel and the three Pirate BBC Essex events have drawn thousands of visitors to the town.

“We are very sorry for the local people and visitors to Harwich if this unique project will not be permanently open to the public as planned.”