Plans to protect marina favourite

PLANS to protect Swansea's much-loved Helwick lightship have been unveiled.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Swansea Council's cabinet is being asked to agree to spend around £450,000 to restore the striking red and white vessel moored in the marina so it can be protected and enjoyed by future generations.

The aim is for Helwick to be restored at the local dry dock in Swansea where it will be repaired and returned to the marina.

The Helwick and two other vessels - the Olga and the Canning - are set to be preserved and protected under a plan that could see the Olga sailing again and the Canning restored by expert enthusiasts.

The council is also taking action to protect the marina from potential pollution by removing and scrapping abandoned vessel The Seamark, which is not owned by the council.

It has been abandoned in the marina by its owners for more than a decade. The council is using statutory powers to take action now before its condition gets worse.

Helwick remains part of the Swansea Museum's Maritime Collection and continues to be cared for as a museum exhibit. Olga and Canning are now managed as historic assets by the council.

Once restored the Helwick will go on public view for future generations to enjoy, but as now, it will not be accessible for the public to board. It will not be a seagoing vessel.

Discussions are ongoing with the Steam Boat Trust to take on responsibility for the Canning - a steam tug which was built in 1954 and was acquired by Swansea Museum in 1975.