Walton: Will famous tower topple?

From the archive, first published Thursday 8th Mar 2007.

Worried conservationists fear the famous Naze tower could topple into the sea before plans to save it can get under way.

The winter's storms have caused "irreparable" damage to the crumbling Naze cliffs on which the 80ft tall historic landmark stands.

Fresh chunks of the 70ft- high cliff face have come crashing down as a result of the ferocious weather which has eroded the base.

Along one stretch just north of the tower, which was previously a straight line, land measuring ten metres by three metres, has been taken out by the hungry sea.

An £800,000 cliff preservation project was agreed by Tendring Council's cabinet members last year.

The project, called Crag Walk, was designed to prevent the base of the cliffs being undercut at high tide.

It involved building a 200m wall in front of the cliffs to protect properties immediately behind it, including the former lighthouse.

Tendring Council has warned if nothing is done to stop the halt the erosion, the tower would need to be demolished within 20 years.

At present, the tower, built in 1720 as a navigational mark and now used as an art centre, stands about 50 yards from the cliff top.

The Naze Protection Society has raised more than £150,000.