Burnham-On-Sea’s iconic beach lighthouse is to get a major £20,000 makeover this summer.
Sedgemoor District Council has awarded a contract to a commercial firm to repair and paint the exterior of the building, which has paint peeling from its sides and rust in several areas.
“The lighthouse needs a thorough re-paint every 7 years or so because it is in a marine environment and exposed to salty air, spray and windy conditions,” council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week.
“It’s important to keep it looking at its best for residents and visitors – the lighthouse is an iconic photographic image, especially set against the dramatic sunsets thanks to the quality of light for which Burnham-On-Sea is well-known.”
The project will see the firm, Community Clean, preparing and painting the building to include the 32m² pyramid roof, timber cladding to all main walls, red striping design on the front, nine timber support pilings and the metal access staircase.
The project is to be completed by late September 2016 using specialist paint that’s well suited to a marine environment and exposure to salty air, spray and windy conditions.
The work was originally planned for 2017 but has been brought forward. The lighthouse’s exterior was last decorated in 2010 and several residents have got in touch with Burnham-On-Sea.com regarding the condition of the lighthouse – which is a Grade II listed building originally built in 1832.
