Delayed Bude storm tower project to end by Christmas

The relocation and reconstruction of the tower has been delayed

The relocation of a cliff top tower to protect it from coastal erosion is due to be completed by the end of the year, say those behind the project.

The project, at Compass Point, Bude, has been delayed by bad weather and challenges dismantling the concrete.

The 188-year-old Grade II-listed tower has been moved 100m (330ft) inland.

Francesca Churchill-Zerilli, from Bude-Stratton Town Council, said: "The building should be back up in time for Christmas."

She added: "We are having a second lift of scaffolding put in which marks a significant point in the project.

"We are about to go over window height and up towards the roof."

Francesca Churchill-Zerilli said the building should be back up in time for Christmas

It is the second time the building has been moved away from the cliff, the last occasion being in 1881.

Built in 1835, the lookout tower housed the coastguard during high tides and storms and was a landmark for passing ships.

• Listen: Delayed relocation for landmark

The distinctive building, which has the points of a compass carved on all of its eight sides, is now a local attraction for coastal walkers.

The 1835 octagonal tower was moved to its current position in 1881 and is now being moved again

The work started in May and was initially expected to be completed by the end of the summer but was then put back to October.

Ms Churchill-Zerilli said: "We have had a few delays along the way. We should have been finished this week and, unfortunately, that hasn't happened.

"The construction of the previous tower was made of Portland cement, which hindered the deconstruction phase. And we had some significant weather delays as well.

"But we are cracking on and looking to complete the project by the end of the year, so the building should be back up in time for Christmas."

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