‘Don’t swap bell for a foghorn’- MP
SCRAPPING a famous Anglesey lighthouse bell with a “soulless foghorn” would be a “disaster” for the area, an MP has warned.
The hazard warning signal at Trwyn Du lighthouse, Penmon (pictured) is under threat, despite having rung every 30 seconds around the clock since 1922.
Operator Trinity House says the bell is no longer reliable and a new device would be “simpler to monitor and maintain”. They said options “remain under consideration”.
Anglesey MP Albert Owen has weighed in urging Trinity House to “listen to locals and non-locals’ voices” who are “deeply upset” with their plans.
“The island’s tourism industry is rapidly growing, people from all over the world visit here and we must protect our beauty spots along with their traditional attractions,” he said.
“Replacing the Penmon Bell with a loud, soulless foghorn would be a disaster.
“Penmon is such a peaceful, tranquil place and the soft tones of the bell roughly every 30 seconds complements the areas natural ambiance that makes visiting Penmon a special experience.
“With its iconic lighthouse and bell, amazing vistas and the excellent cafe, it’s no wonder so many people flock here every year.”
The current fog signal tolls in all weather conditions, but the new one would only sound in periods of low visibility.
Mr Owen added: “If the electronic mechanism which strikes the bell is ageing and a little unreliable, then I suggest Trinity House carry out the necessary maintenance to fix it or replace the mechanism.
“Trwyn Du lighthouse has proved itself over many years as a trusty beacon and a navigation aid both reliable and effective and will continue to do so if Trinity House carry out the necessary work.”
A Facebook campaign “Save the Trwyn Du Lighthouse Bell” has been launched.
A Trinity House spokeswoman, said: “Trials were conducted recently comparing the effectiveness of the two hazard warning signal systems.
“Assessments and options remain under consideration and the conclusion will be communicated in due course.”