NCI Penzance was back in action on Monday, following the replacement of its lookout stairs, which had been deemed structurally unsafe.

The station closed earlier this year, on 13 April, after concerns were raised about the structural safety of the stairs leading up to the lookout. It has remained out of action throughout the summer while funding was secured and a suitable contractor was appointed to carry out the essential work.

NCI Penzance overlooks the coastline between Mousehole and Cudden Point, including the two busy harbours of Newlyn and Penzance. Its watchkeepers play an important role in monitoring this stretch of coast, keeping an eye on activity both at sea and around the shoreline.

The station records some of the highest number of incidents and vessel movements in Cornwall, highlighting the significant role its volunteer watchkeepers play in helping to keep people safe along the Cornish coast.  

Unable to maintain watches during the closure, the station’s volunteers have remained engaged, receiving regular bulletins updating them on progress with the stair replacement, ongoing training and other items of interest, helping ensure they were updated on when they could return to their watchkeeping duties.

Support has also come from fellow volunteers at NCI St Ives, who have been assisting with getting the station’s IT systems set up again, helping ensure everything was ready for the return to operational watches.

The replacement stairs, costing £12,490, have been funded through National Coastwatch Institution’s central funds. The replacement stairs were constructed by J T Fabrications & Engineering from Newlyn on time and within budget.  

The station faced additional challenges when its Station Manager, Dave Stevens, became seriously ill shortly after the closure. Dave has been a stalwart of the National Coastwatch Institution, having volunteered for 27 years. David Wills stepped in to take responsibility for the station’s management in Dave’s absence, serving as Acting Station Manager.

David Wills said:

“They’re back! It’s great and they did a lovely job of it.”

David added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have the station back in action after what has been a challenging period. I sent regular bulletins to update everyone of any ongoing progress regarding stairs funding and any other items of interest. Our watchkeepers have stayed engaged throughout the closure.” The reopening is welcome news for the station team and the wider community, restoring an important element of coastal safety in Cornwall.