Don't knock down the watch tower!

A planning application has been made to modernise radio equipment and knock down the upper two storeys of the tower, which includes an observation deck, by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

It says the tower is no longer needed.

But Newhaven Coastguard station officer Trevor Cutler disagreed and vowed to fight for its reprieve.

He said: 'The Newhaven team has 11 Coastguard volunteers and we all find it frustrating that we should be fighting for something that we use to prevent the loss of lives at sea and on the shoreline.'

The team use the tower to aid the Lifeboat, pinpoint fishing boats in distress and have helped when a Transmanche cross-Channel ferry ran aground in severe weather.

Mr Cutler said: 'The lookout is the only prominent watch tower over the port and is the only place to keep a watchful eye on any incident.'

A vigilant eye and helpful advice was also appreciated by beach users. 'The summer months sees hundreds of people from Seaford Head to West Beach, Newhaven, all using the coast for sunbathing, water sports, walking and swimming.

Mr Cutler said: 'The cliff top coastal paths are overwhelmed by visitors to the area and all see the Coastguard flag flying and ask about weather, tides and directions.

'The Castle Hill area and Newhaven Fort attracts more visitors every year and the lookout is the main focal point for walkers, campers, hang gliders and lost children. My team are always at hand to pass on any information professionally and represent the Coastguard in smart uniform,' said Mr Cutler.

He urged people who wanted the tower saved to write to him at Newhaven Coastguard HQ in Fort Road.

A spokesman for the MCA said the tower had been mainly used to house radio and communications equipment since 1978 when it was last manned permanently.

'In the more recent past, the site has only very occasionally been used as a visual lookout and it is not now considered fit for that purpose.

'The provision at Newhaven of a modern mobile rescue vehicle enables local staff, as elsewhere around the UK, to drive to most vantage points and then to complete any visual checking requirements.

He added: 'Newhaven Coastguards have a wide range of equipment and facilities provided to co-ordinate local search and rescue, and provide an extremely good service for the local and maritime community.

'The modernisation of the radio site facility at Newhaven will continue to ensure that mariners transiting the English Channel are also provided with an effective and efficient service by local Coastguards.'