New light could soon be shed on harbour tower
ARGUABLY Porthleven's most prominent building could soon become even more so.
The town council on Thursday agreed to an investigation into the possibility of illuminating the port's famous and "iconic" Bickford Smith Institute clock tower at the end of Harbour Road.
The idea has come from Porthleven Lights, which is responsible for the Christmas lights and lighting that adorns the harbour area for much of the year.
Peter Ward, of Porthleven Lights, told the council the idea was to light the tower's north and east faces – the other two were ruled out because of potential problems with navigation lights.
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Mr Ward said two options might be considered – lighting the tower in pale orange "which is the best illumination for stone", or using different colours which could change in sequence to reflect conditions.
"These are relatively expensive but it is one of the options open to us as the lighting committee.
"It has been talked about a lot, whether or not it would be feasible to light the clock tower.
"Until recently we haven't had the funds available to do that."
He was approaching the council for its support in backing an investigation into the possibility, and for members' views.
"The lighting committee thinks it would benefit from being lit more than just at Christmas."
Most members agreed, although Councillor Elly Wilson said she liked looking at the stars at night and was concerned an illuminated tower might detract from that.
She also suggested it might lead to "light pollution".
Cornwall councillor Andrew Wallis did not think the move for the "iconic" and "great selling point for Porthleven" would detract from the surroundings, using "uplighters" which usually worked very well.
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