A HISTORIC lightship will be berthed at Harwich Quay.

Tendring Council’s scrutiny committee approved a proposal for the LV18 to become a quayside attraction.

Members asked to review the issue, amid fears Ha’Penny Pier was not the right site for the last manned light vessel.

But the controversial issue was given the go-ahead on the chairman’s casting vote.

The Pharos Trust, the charity which owns the vessel, hopes it could be open to the public from next spring.

Colin Crawford, chairman of the trust, said: “It’s very good news and we are very pleased.

“We have no fixed date as to when we could get it on the berth, but we need to get it open to visitors as soon as possible to get the revenue coming in.

“Because of what’s happened, we have lost a season, so we are anxious to get going.”

Mr Crawford is not hopeful the trust will be able to win over the residents, businesses and councillors who opposed the lightship’s berthing.

He said: “The people who opposed it are in the minority, but I think the people of Harwich will be very pleased with the decision.

“The hard work begins now. We are determined to make it look good and will be painting it again very soon.”

Tendring Council voted in February the LV18 should not be berthed at the pier.

But private talks between the council and the Pharos Trust put the project back on the agenda.