A CONTROVERSIAL ship has been given a temporary home at Harwich Quay after months of uncertainty.

Work to create a berth at the Ha’Penny Pier has been completed at a cost of £220,000 funded by Haven Gateway.

And this week Tendring Council's cabinet voted to give the last manned lightship, the LV18, a temporary contract to moor at the site.

Peter Halliday, portfolio holder for finance, said: "The new berthing facility at Harwich Quay is now finished, and delivered on budget and on time, fully provided for.

"We are now looking forward to seeing the LV18 on there, which should make an interesting tourist attraction for Harwich."

But the ship has proved controversial as some councillors argue the pier is not the right place for the bright red boat.

Initially proposals were for the piling to be completed to create a permanent home for the LV18 but some Tendring Councillors raised objects calling it an “eye sore”.

A vote at a behind closed doors council meeting in February saw the work plans approved but the ship contracts scrapped.

Lawrie Payne, Tendring and Harwich councillor, said: “I think this is a sad decision, I think it is a bad decision, and I think it is a decision I will be challenging and trying to overturn.

“It is not the will of the majority of Harwich and it was not the will of the full council meeting of Tendring and why this has come back and been approved beggars belief.”

But Stephanie Tyrer, Harwich mayor, said: “I am really pleased to hear the LV18 has been given a temporary mooring, it’s great news.

“Anything that will help bring tourists to the area is good.

“The LV18 brought several thousnd people to Harwich when it hosted the pirate radio weekend.

“Harwich is it’s home.”

The decision is subject to call in.