A MAJOR iconic landmark could be closed for longer periods over the summer as part of a major cost cutting drive, the News Guardian can exclusively reveal.
At a time when regeneration plans are being drawn up for Whitley Bay, proposals are being considered by North Tyneside Council to axe the number of jobs at St Mary's Lighthouse as well, as slashing its opening time by 200 hours.
Now fears have bee
n raised that the moves could seriously damage the lighthouse's role as a major tourism attraction along with its growing reputation as an educational resource.
The Friends of St Mary's Island group believe the move could have a drastic effect if the two full-time jobs become one while part-time staff, many of whom are marine biologists, have their hours reduced.
Group member Morag Horseman said: "This is a job two people do now, they don't know how one person is going to cope on their own.
"My main concern is the education side.
"The staff have a very big role to play in the education of our children.
"Schools take children over there and they cater for infants right up to sixth formers and university students.
"It is deplorable if that has to close down because of a staff shortage."
She added the lighthouse shop would be hit under the proposals, closing at 4pm instead of 6.30pm and on some days would not be open at all.
The lighthouse is one of the region's most popular destinations for visitors, residents and schoolchildren.
Along with the Dome, it is Whitley Bay's major iconic landmark and regularly appears on calendars and photos depicting the north east.
Money has already been spent in recent years improving it while the Friends group took part in a fundraising exercise to improve the equipment provision and pedestrian access.
Ms Horseman added: "The Friends are in a difficult position.
"We feel we can't go on collecting money when we might not have anything to spend it on."
The Friends of St Mary's Island has received the support of the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade and is now calling a meeting with the council to discuss the Lighthouse's future.
Whitley Bay ward councillors are outraged at the proposal, which they feel will have a negative impact on the town.
Conservative's Coun Margaret Marshall said: "These latest cuts are typical of Labour's short-sighted approach to the council's finances.
"At a time when we are trying to regenerate Whitley Bay, it makes no sense at all to make such massive cuts to the lighthouse.
"After all, it's Whitley Bay's biggest and most popular tourist attraction.
"The mayor promised to listen to the residents of Whitley Bay, so I'm calling on him to reverse these cuts, save the jobs and keep the lighthouse open."
A council spokesperson said: "In the interests of efficiency, staffing and management arrangements are under discussions across the council.
"While it would be inappropriate to comment on an individual service we can say the lighthouse is an important part of the borough which will continue to welcome visitors and accommodate the popular educational visits programme."
