PLANS to open a First World War fort to the public could be a step closer with a nearby derelict pumping station set to be bought by Tendring Council.

Beacon Hill Fort, which overlooks the mouth of the Stour Estuary, has fallen into disrepair over the years, affected by litter, vandals and graffiti.

The council began the process of acquiring the old pumping station on Barrack Lane, Harwich, in an effort to open the site up, in February.

The building’s use for sewer purposes ended many years ago, and now terms and conditions have been provisionally negotiated with the owners.

Carlo Guglielmi, Tendring Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Corporate Services, said the council is keen to help with the preservation and wider use of the fort.

“This pumping station land is in a key position in relation to the Beacon Hill Fort,” he said.

“Buying the site could be a significant step forward towards consolidating the ownership of that area for future use and will also prevent further dispute over access rights.

He added that they had moved to buy the pumping station to prevent another party developing it.

Ricky Callender, Tendring Councillor for Harwich West, said: "I have been working for this for over eight years so to see it slowly coming to fruition is a good feeling.

"i'm hoping and praying that we can clean it up and start getting public use out of it."

The site contains deep excavations and strong security measures will be needed to make sure no one is able to enter without permission.

Tendring Council currently owns part of the Beacon Hill Fort and the rest is in private ownership.

Planning permission for three houses on the former pumping station land has lapsed and a proposal for a single home failed because of access problems.

The current owners have agreed to sell rather than continuing with trying to redevelop.