AN update has been provided following the refurbishment of the North and West Pier lighthouses in Whitehaven. 

Both lighthouses had reached a state of disrepair and with funding from Sellafield Ltd and the assistance of the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, the lighthouses were returned to their former glory by CRS Facility Maintenance in 2022. 

CRS FM said it had been a 'great' year for maintenance as funds were secured to begin carrying out works to preserve both lighthouses. 

A spokesperson from CRS FM said: "Each lighthouse has its maintenance schedule with a variety of tasks to be completed annually. These tasks range from simply oiling door locks monthly, to cleaning windows, and even a full paint application in the fifth year.

"North Lighthouse is 95% complete for this year and almost ready for the harsh winter months ahead.

"Our main concern on North was quite a large issue with an original cast iron gutter that surrounds the balcony. Despite the refurbishment, this rusted very quickly and caused staining on the lower half of the structure.

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"We have since made alterations and taken additional preventive measures to aid in preserving this original piece of the building. We plan to re-paint the lower half of the lighthouse in the coming weeks.

"West Lighthouse is also coming along as planned. We have some significant issues with the external white paint peeling in various areas.

"This was expected, due to the condition of the sandstone when we first prepared it for paint, and ongoing remedial works are planned in the maintenance schedule.

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"The relevant time has now passed for us to be able to see the problematic areas we need to target, and we will address these in the coming months."

The Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners added: "Both lighthouses were in a very tired state just a few years ago and their amazing refurbishment was completed in 2022, so it's important that we do everything we can to keep them looking loved.

"Their exposed location, however, and a few challenges with some original elements and certain modern materials all mean it's a constant battle, and the current funding pot will only go so far. Not everything can be done at once and certainly not quickly."