A bid to save part of Cullercoats’ heritage has been launched and residents have been given their say on what happens next.
Cullercoats Watch House, which first opened in 1879 to allow the village’s volunteer life brigade to look for vessels in distress, has fallen into a state of disrepair.
The building, which also served as a social centre for fishermen, has been a snooker club since 1933.
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Now, plans have been revealed to restore the watch house to its former glory, and the general public have been asked what they would like to see it used for.
Frank Taylor, who is heading up the committee, said that to access financial aid for the project the premises has to be open to the public.
He said: “It’s a fantastic building and we have to look after it.
“There is £40,000 worth of repairs that need to be carried out. We applied for funding but it didn’t come back because it appears to them to be a private snooker club.
“To save the building we need to open it to the general public.”
A survey has been launched asking people what they know about the watch house and what use they think it should be put to.
So far re-purposing the the property as a heritage centre or reading room have been popular suggestions.
The group is also trying to raise £2,500 to pay a heritage building qualified architect to carry out a full survey of the premises.
Mr Taylor continued: “We started a consultation to see what local people want to use the building for and follow their lead on that.”
He also said that dwindling snooker club membership means only a few people are using the building.
Mr Taylor added: “In 1951 the club had 161 players and a waiting list, in 2019 we were down to 100 members – 14 who play regularly.
“It’s such a shame that only a handful of people are using such a beautiful building.
“I want to get the public on side rather than see the building permanently closed. We want to do the right thing by the general public.”
The survey can be accessed on the Cullercoats Watch House Facebook page. To donate money visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mick-english.
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