THREATENED with des-truction, the Naze Tower in Walton is open again for a summer of art shows.

The first one of the year starts this weekend with another collection of works by locally and nationally-renowned artists.

For 2009, the owners of the tower will be putting on three exhibitions in the art galleries with highlights including Dale Devereux Barker, who created the colourful enamel panels at St Katherine’s Dock, London, in the summer show, and Glynn Thomas, who in the autumn show will produce a new work featuring the tower and the surrounding area as though it has been taken through a fisheye lens.

The season kicks off with the spring exhibition, which runs until June 21 and features an abundance of artists shown over six floors.

There is a group show by 2D3D, ten potters and painters who work in a range of styles, black and white photography by Kim Bell and watercolours of Walton from the past and the present, making a fascinating comparison of the town by Tim Knight.

There will also be a mixed show in the tea rooms, including local favourite Nigel Pepper, who will show new work as he produces it throughout the season.

There are fears Naze Tower could fall into the sea, if new defences are not built to protect it.

As well as the spring show, the summer show runs from June 27 to September 6 and the autumn is from September 12 to November 1, when the tower will close again for the winter.

Located on the Naze off Old Hall Lane, the Naze Tower is open every day from 10am to 5pm, admission to the tower is £2.50 for adults, £2 for concessions, £1.50 for children and £6 for a family ticket.

For more information call, 01255 852519 or go online at www.naze tower.co.uk