The flag mast at Rye Harbour, for so long a prominent feature of the waterfront, was badly damaged during storm Ciara in February and was scheduled for removal on Tuesday this week, March 3.
It was already in a poor state of repair and a specialist company had been engaged to examine and report on any possible remedial action. Unfortunately, continuing bad weather and high winds delayed inspection with the result that, for safety, the mast had to be removed.
The land on which it stands is owned by the Environment Agency which was going to remove the mast a number of years ago. However Icklesham parish council took a lease on the land at that time so that it could remain.
Can it be repaired and re-erected? That question has still to be answered, but the Parish Council are asking local residents for their opinions and suggestions. If you live in Rye Harbour and would like to make your views known, you can do so by emailing the parish clerk, Anna Evett at ickleshampc@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07714 169901.
Image Credits: Rye News library .
Here is what I have written to the Rye Harbour, (Icklesham), Parish Clerk.
“I am very disappointed to learn that you personally, and Icklesham Parish Council as a group, have not fought harder to prevent the removal of the historic signalling mast at Rye Harbour Village.
As the major local authority charged with the care of Rye Harbour Heritage I should have expected that you would have fought hard, tooth and nail, on behalf of Rye Harbour residents to ensure that it remained as a feature of this village’s historic past.
I suggest that you make an emergency application to have the structure listed – It matters not that you don’t own it. it is somebody’s responsibility. Listing will permit for its repair or like-for-like replacement thus preserving this iconic Rye Harbour Landmark.
Where will be authorities stop at when it comes to destroying Rye Harbour Heritage? We have already seen the demolition of Rye Harbour Lighthouse on the east bank, for no good reason, in the1970s. Everybody thinks it should have been preserved. Next no doubt will be the 19th century railway carriage adjacent to the flag mast – The home of artist Bridget Keir, (1883-1954), earlier last century.
They will no doubt find a reason to demolish the Red Hut, another iconic Rye Harbour building. More recently we have also lost Lime Kiln Cottage, for development purposes, on the Nature Reserve. The Watch House, adjacent to the mast, is already listed so let’s make sure that it’s signalling partner is not lost.
There has been an impressive signalling mast on this site for about 150 years. Let’s make sure that it is listed and preserved for at least another 150. I realise that this is not the original Mast on the site – This is no reason for it not to be replaced, once again, if necessary. I understand that it was scheduled for removal last week but fortunately it is still standing today some 2 weeks later.
Please ensure that this is listed very urgently and that we do not lose more of Rye Harbour’s irreplaceable heritage.
Thank you”