by John Prince
After weeks of speculation over the future of the old nuclear monitoring post that dropped down the cliff at Tunstall, it has been confirmed that it will now be left where it is.
The Crown Estate, which has responsibility for the beach below, had carried out a lengthy risk assessment following its fall overnight on Friday, January 23.
Following the results of that assessment, it has now been decided that because of the structure’s weight, and the cost involved in moving it from such a difficult location, it will stay put.
The Cold War building, which had caught the attention of the public, the world’s media and academics, toppled over in one piece, leaving it leaning upside down against the cliff.
Hopes were that it could be saved somehow.
There were calls to move it and preserve it as a historical artefact, and as an example of how coastal erosion has devastated parts of the Yorkshire coast over the years.
A spokeswoman for the Crown Estate said: “A decision has been made to leave the monitoring post in place on the beach.
“We commissioned a risk assessment to better understand the situation and inform any actions we should take.
“The recommendation is to leave the structure in place as the safety risks, difficulty and cost of moving the structure far outweigh any risks it currently presents.
“The structure weighs approximately 30 tons and presents no active risk, and access into the structure is highly restricted. It is not possible to enter it, as it is either completely filled or securely capped.
“There will be annual and mini ad hoc inspections to assess the condition and any change in risk – such as a health and safety risk – of the structure.”
Members of the public have been advised not to go near to the old nuclear monitoring post, as over time it will inevitably fall apart.
It is already starting to crumble after being on the beach for just over a month.
It remains a local curiosity and has become somewhat of a landmark, so anyone wanting to visit has been asked to stay well clear.
The same advice has been given to walkers along the cliff top above. Like much of that part of the east coast, it can be dangerous and at risk of falling at any time.