Keep lighthouse bell ringing, plead locals
A LIGHTHOUSE operator has been urged to scrap plans to replace a 97-year-old bell with a “soulless” electronic foghorn.
The bell at Trwyn Du lighthouse in Penmon, Anglesey, has been used since 1922 and rings every 30 seconds so mariners are aware they are near the coastline.
But its chime, considered part of the “magical sea symphony” by tourists and sailors, could be replaced by an electronic hazard warning that will only sound during foggy conditions.
Trinity House, the lighthouse operator, tested the device two months ago and has suggested it is necessary because the bell is not reliable enough for mariners and is harder to maintain.
Sailors, locals and Albert Owen, Anglesey’s Labour MP, have asked Trinity, the official authority for lighthouses in England and Wales, to reconsider its plans.
“Replacing the Penmon Bell with a loud, soulless foghorn would be a disaster,” said Mr Owen. Hayley Peace, who runs a café near the lighthouse, said the foghorn noise had been “really, really loud and very high-pitched” during the trial.
Nearly 1,000 people have signed a Save The Penmon Lighthouse Bell petition, including Joy Bennett, who wrote: “I’m a sailor and will miss it if it goes.”
Alex Ginn added: “When the new sound was trialled, I’m afraid it was a really horrible, blare sound that was intrusive and ugly and ruined the atmosphere of the beach.”
Trinity House has said: “The bell is activated by an ageing electronic striker mechanism, which no longer provides the assurance of reliability which is needed.”
A spokesman said “assessments and options remain under consideration”.