THE future of Bude’s Compass Point is looking brighter.

Originally built in 1835, and relocated in 1900 due to eroding cliffs, Compass Point, locally referred to as ‘The Pepper Pot’, has experienced years of coastal erosion and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

This had left the future of Compass Point in jeopardy. This iconic structure sits proudly on Efford Down, on Cornwall Council land and holds a special place in Bude’s history.

Due to the nature of the work and the listed status set out by Historic England, the process to move Compass Point must start with the production of a Heritage Impact Assessment. Bude-Stratton Town Council, keen to support the future of Compass Point, has taken the lead on finding a suitable tender to undertake this, of which only one specialised tender came forward.

Cllr Peter La Broy, Bude-Stratton town councillor and Cornwall Councillor, has been the driving force behind securing its future.

He said: “We are now awaiting funding from Cornwall Council for the Heritage Impact Assessment — this document is the key step needed before we can move forwards and will outline suitable locations.”

It is likely to remain on Efford Down.

At a cost of just under £15,000, Bude-Stratton Town Council expect the funding to be available from Cornwall Council by April 2020, after which progress can then be made on the planning application and funding sought to move the building to a secure location, preserving Bude’s icon for decades to come.