Plymouth’s iconic Smeaton’s Tower will light up for the first time following its restoration this Thursday evening for #ClapforCarers.
The tower has been hidden behind a winter coat of scaffolding and sheeting while a major repainting job took place. But now the tower is once again looking glorious in the spring sunshine.
The last of the scaffolding has now been removed following the painting project that took place over the winter.
And what a winter it was. The contractors had to deal with several major storms, and on top of that, came the COVID-19 lockdown, which meant restrictions on when the team could work.
The main work, the external painting and restoration work around the lantern, was finished at the end of March, but the scaffolding had to be taken down in stages as the window hatches needed to be painted.
The project also included internal work such as painting all handrails, sealing the windows in the lantern and redecorating.
Councillor Peter Smith, deputy leader of Plymouth City Council said: “The tower looks glorious again and I am sure people who come to the Hoe will appreciate how much better it looks. It’s safe to say that Covid-19 has created a lot of uncertainty about when and how the tower will open to the public, but we will get there.
“In the mean time we thought it would be a great gesture to light up the tower on Thursday to show our appreciation of the incredible work of our carers.”
People who want to enjoy the views on the Hoe and to see the lighthouse should try to keep to the social distancing guidelines.