SCAFFOLDING has been put up to help assess the condition of an historic lighthouse out at sea.

But work at Dovercourt’s lower Leading Light will take weeks as it can only be done at low tide when the causeway is uncovered.

Works being carried out include pest control activity to tackle pigeons, an asbestos survey and the condition survey itself by specialists.

It follows a condition survey last year on the shore-based Leading Light, which said the Victorian lighthouse was structurally sound, but work is still needed to restore it back to it’s former glory.

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said this was an important piece of work.

He added: “The Leading Lights are an iconic part of the Dovercourt Bay landscape, often featuring in photographs and artwork of the area.

“It is therefore important that we look after them, and this survey will inform future discussions with Historic England about their future.”

Despite the time of year Tendring Council issued a warning to the public to stay away from the building while the scaffolding is in place.

Mr Skeels said: “I would reiterate the warning for people not to be tempted to climb on the scaffolding, as you would not with any other building site. I would also like to thank the seafronts team for their hard work in pulling together what is quite a complex project involving several specialist contractors and tide times and heights.”

Harwich councillor Garry Calver has welcomed the new survey.

In December 2017, he called for action to safeguard the lighthouses and branded them as a negative focal point for the town and the Blue Flag beach they sit on.

He said: “I am very pleased with progress towards the refurbishment of the leading lights and hopefully the survey of the outer light will be as positive as the survey work already conducted on the landward light.

“This is a particularly difficult part of the process and the safety of the contractors and the public is paramount. It is vital that everyone listens to the warnings and keeps clear.”

Work is hoped to be completed before the Easter holidays.