NCI Penzance lookout back on watch after months without stairs

For seven months, the lookout above Penzance stood empty. The windows still faced the sea, but nobody could safely climb up to look out of them.

That changed on Monday (9 November), when volunteer watchkeepers at NCI Penzance returned to the station following the replacement of its lookout stairs, which had been deemed structurally unsafe.

📷Old stairs being removed. Credit: National Coastwatch

Why the station closed in April

The station closed on 13 April after concerns were raised about the structural safety of the stairs leading up to the lookout. It stayed out of action throughout the summer while funding was secured and a suitable contractor was appointed to carry out the essential work.

NCI Penzance overlooks the coastline between Mousehole and Cudden Point, including the two busy harbours of Newlyn and Penzance. Its watchkeepers keep an eye on activity both at sea and around the shoreline.

The station records some of the highest numbers of incidents and vessel movements in Cornwall.

📷New stairs being built. Credit: National Coastwatch

New stairs, built in Newlyn

The replacement stairs cost £12,490 and were paid for through the central funds of the National Coastwatch Institution. They were constructed by J T Fabrications & Engineering from Newlyn, on time and within budget.

Volunteers from NCI St Ives also lent a hand, helping get the station’s IT systems set up again so everything was ready for the return to operational watches.

A difficult few months for the team

The closure was not the only setback. Shortly after the station shut, Station Manager Dave Stevens became seriously ill. Dave has volunteered with the National Coastwatch Institution for 27 years.

David Wills stepped in as Acting Station Manager in Dave’s absence. Unable to keep watch, the station’s volunteers received regular bulletins on progress with the stairs, ongoing training and other news, so they knew when they could return to their duties.

“They’re back!”

David Wills said: “They’re back! It’s great and they did a lovely job of it.”

He added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the station back in action after what has been a challenging period. I sent regular bulletins to update everyone of any ongoing progress regarding stairs funding and any other items of interest. Our watchkeepers have stayed engaged throughout the closure.”

The NCI is a registered charity (No. 1159975) running 61 stations around the coasts of England and Wales, staffed by more than 2,800 trained volunteers who support HM Coastguard. Volunteers from every walk of life are welcome, with training covering maritime charts, VHF radio and reading weather and tides.

📷Station reopened on Monday 9 November. Credit: National Coastwatch