Lookout at Watchet

[Graham_Wright]

At the easterly approach to the harbour, there is what seems to be a lookout tower. Perhaps at Splash Point.
Can someone advise what it is please? Just curious.

 

[VicS]

At the easterly approach to the harbour, there is what seems to be a lookout tower. Perhaps at Splash Point.
Can someone advise what it is please? Just curious.

CG lookout ?

If the link works see also

https://flic.kr/p/iXQWW

 

[Graham_Wright]

Yes. Is it manned and, if so, by whom?
I can find no link to CG or National Coastwatch. Google maps shows no evidence of cars or parking (but then, the shot is probably old).
Seems to be in good condition.

 

[Sneds]

Been in and out of Watchet 4 or 5 times and never noticed it!

 

[creeks]

Page 19 of the document linked below says:

"Coastguard Cliff top watchtower - built circa 1974 - abandoned 1981 due to access difficulties"

https://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/media/1736/wsc-watchet-cons-area-review-july-2002.pdf

 

[SaltIre]

No wonder there are access difficulties - somebody built a security fence round it to keep people out!

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Nice clifftop walk through semiparkland and wandered past it a few times. Did the CG want only vehicle access?

 

[creeks]

A bit more digging finds a new explanation:
"Building on the headland to the east of Watchet harbour a Former range observation post for the nearby light anti-aircraft gunne"

This explanation seems to make more sense - I don't think coastguard lookouts normally use signalling flags do they?

This is a link to the relevant pic but it is slow to load - you just need to wait:
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-b...-watchet-harbour-a-former-range-83950095.html

 

[creeks]

And here are the bye-laws governing the Watchet Anti-Aircraft Artillery Range and these mention the flags that will be flown from the flagstaff on the headland:

https://assets.publishing.service.g...562/watchet_anti_aircraft_artillery_range.pdf

 

[Graham_Wright]

Very interesting. Thanks for the responses.

 

[SomersetSailors]

It was a former Royal Navy range tower. Then it became used by HM Coastguard as a look-out tower - it is now a mobile phone base station - the mock spinnaker or flag mast is actually a mobile phone mast and the building / tower houses all the radio comma and electrical gubbins

 

[Graham_Wright]

I did contact National Coastwatch to ask if they had plans for it but have received no reply.