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Temporary scaffolding could go up around Brehon Tower, so it’s easier for engineers to inspect and maintain it.
Lying in the Little Russell between Guernsey and Herm, the small Fort is only accessible by boat and is home to a navigation light which many sailors go by.
The light is operated by Guernsey Harbours, which is in turn overseen by the States of Guernsey Trading Assets department.
They’ve said the scaffolding now planned will be temporary to provide access to the tower for ‘inspections and maintenance of the tower itself and the navigation light.’
The scaffolding needs planning permission though, and if that is agreed the installation won’t happen before next Spring. Even then, the work will be subject to the light, weather and sea conditions.
Pictured: The planning application for scaffolding to go around Brehon Tower.
Trading Assets said if the platform is proven to be an improvement on the current situation for access to Brehon Tower then a more permanent solution could be found.
Currently, the tower is maintained annually with Property Services saying it is accessed by boat "and is therefore limited by suitable weather and tidal conditions."
The existing platform means a ladder needs to be installed at each visit to gain access the tower, so if this planning application is approved, the more permanent structure could see an increase in the time available for any survey or maintenance work to be completed.
How much it will all cost isn't known at this stage either, as Property Services said staff "are only seeking planning permission and costs will be obtained as the next stage if this is approved."
Pictured: File image of Brehon Tower.
Brehon Tower or Fort Brehon was built by Thomas Charles de Putron, who finished the work in 1857.
It’s descrbed as following the ‘basic design of the Martello tower’, although it is not of that time.
During the First World War, owenership was transferred to the States of Guernsey, while during the Second World War, the German occupying forces put anti aircraft guns on he tower.
As well as the light operated by Guernsey Harbour. The small island is also home to a breeding colony of common terns.
The last reported time there was maintenance work of any note to the tower was in 2012 when masonry work to stabilise the structure was carried out along with work to renovate the timber floor, with an estimated price at the time of £65,000.
Pictured: Brehon Tower (Wikipedia).
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