Anger halts plan to replace lantern gifted to town

People living in a Cornish town are beaming after plans to replace an historic lantern with a modern LED alternative were withdrawn.

The Three Lighter Lantern was gifted to Torpoint by the family of Sir Reginald Pole Carew as a thanksgiving present after his return from the Boer War.

But when Cornwall Council set out to replace the lantern as part of a countywide LED replacement programme, the move was described as "outrageous" and "sacrilegious".

Now the lantern has been saved after the intervention of councillor Rob Parsonage, who represents Torpoint on the council. He confirmed the planning application had been withdrawn.

The Three Lighter Lantern originally stood in Sparrow Park but was moved to Elliot Square when the Ellis Memorial was erected in 1898, and Antony Road was widened.

The council said the application was withdrawn on 5 May and t received 32 comments about the plans, all of which were opposed to the changes, LDRS said.

"The people of Torpoint spoke and rightly so," Parsonage said.

"Following a couple of phone calls and a suggested way forward being put to Cornwall Council, the planning application has now been withdrawn.

"As a veteran myself, I believe maintaining the history of those who fought for the safety and freedom we enjoy today is essential."

He added: "We now have an electrical engineer who will design the electrical fittings and methodology required to upgrade the lantern safely, so that it can once again be switched on and illuminate the memorial throughout the evening."

Parsonage said he would continue working with Cornwall Council and local partners to ensure the historic lantern was preserved while also meeting modern safety requirements.

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