Light goes

LOTTERY FUND APPLICATION FOR £2.1M FOR RESTORATION IS TURNED DOWN

EFFORTS to restore a seaside landmark are in tatters after a bid for vital funding failed.

North Tyneside Council put together the project to refurbish St Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay and improve facilities at the site.

The scheme was approved by a planning committee in April and an application for £2.1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was submitted so the work could be carried out.

However, the bid has now been rejected by the HLF and the council is having to look at other funding sources to find the cash.

In a letter to the council, the HLF explained that the application was turned down due to insufficient funds in its budget.

The letter said: “Demand for our funds means that we cannot support every good application that achieves the outcomes of this programme.

“Our board of trustees had to take decisions on more projects than the available budget would allow and your application was rejected due to insufficient funds.”

The council says it is disappointed by the news, but efforts will continue to be made to find the cash needed.

Phil Scott, head of environment, housing and leisure, said: “Naturally we’re extremely disappointed with the outcome as we had presented a strong and robust bid to the HLF committee.

“However, we know how important the lighthouse is to local residents, and as an asset to the borough, and we will continue to explore other options to secure the funding we need to carry out the repairs needed to safeguard its future.

“We’d like to thank all the officers