CASTLE Hill has lost its light.
The lantern on top of Castle Hill’s Victoria Tower has developed a fault and has been out for the past few nights – but the situation should be remedied soon.
Council officials are arranging for electricians to repair the light, but have to put safety first, as it is on top of the turret on top of the main tower.
Julian Brown, Castle Hill Ranger, said: “Safety is paramount as access to the lantern light, is tricky.
“The challenge now is find a solution that is safe for the electricians that need get to the top of the turret without being blown off in the ferocious winds.”
The lantern light is operated by a dawn/dusk light sensor and it has been known to have been hit by lightning over the years as it is the highest point on Castle Hill. The lantern itself was initially put in place to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and initially for one year only. However the lantern proved very popular with onlookers at night and has stayed till this day.
The turret where the lantern sits has no direct access by stairs which were bricked up in 1959 when the turret was lowered by around six feet to make it safe after it was damaged in high winds.
