WORK to repair Dovercourt's iconic Leading Lights could cost £400,000, it has been revealed.

The historic iron-framed towers were built in 1862 to help guiding vessels around Landguard Point.

The leading lights, which were decommissioned in 1917, are now in need of vital repairs.

Tendring Council heard structural surveys of the Leading Lights revealed restoration works would costs around £400,000.

The Resources and Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard on Monday that there is an aspiration to proceed with the project, but it would be dependent on securing external grant-funding.

It is hoped cash could be raised from organisations such as Historic England or the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Alex Porter, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “While Tendring may often be characterised by its Essex Sunshine Coast and beautiful countryside, there is such a rich tapestry of history that we should – and often do – protect and celebrate.

“We are already doing a lot, as the committee heard, and have some exciting things in the pipeline.

"However, restoration and protection of heritage is not something we can do alone, and we look forward to building upon our existing strong relationships with partners to develop this going forward.”

The council is also hoping to raise cash to restore Edwardian lamps on Clacton seafront – the town’s first electric lights, installed in 1912.

The historic cast iron lamp-posts were removed by Tendring Council in 2014 following safety concerns.

At the time, the council assured residents the ornate posts would be stored carefully until it decided how they could best be repaired or restored.

But two years ago, angry residents discovered the treasured lamp-posts were secretly sold to a scrapyard.

A report from commissioned specialists advised councillors revealed that to replace the 21 lights would cost an estimated £250,000, excluding electrical works and other associated costs.

At the meeting updates were given on other projects, including emergency repair works to Clacton's Martello Tower E, a project jointly funded with Historic England on the Treadwheel Crane in Harwich, and development of Conservation Area Appraisals through the Local Plan and Planning Policy Committee.