Photos

Lifesaving crews have hit out at plans to remove a coastline beacon that helps to guide boats safely into harbour.

The new owners of Beacon House in Cullercoats have asked the council to dismantle the navigational mast behind the property. The pole, which has been on the site for many years, is part of a series of masts that help to guide boats around the rocks at Cullercoats.

There are two structures that light up in red at night to inform mariners what direction to take and a further two, including the one behind Beacon House, that direct boats during the day.

Beacon House was built around 1890 at a lower height from the surrounding homes to allow a view of the harbour beacon in the backyard.

North Tyneside Council owns the mast. The new owners of the house, believed to be developers, have submitted plans to take down the masts.

Brian Reeds, of Cullercoats Lifeboat, said: "If the tide is high during the day, then boats may not be able to see the rocks, so these masts become quite important.

"These sites are marked clearly in navigational charts for mariners. The idea of removing one of them has implications for everyone who uses the harbour. The masts are a safety feature and any plans to remove one of them would be a cause for concern."

Mike Puplett of the Humber Coastguard said: "We do not have a say about what happens to the mast but we do agree that it is an important safety feature."