PLANS to attract more tourists to a North Wales port could see a square lighthouse restored to its former glory. The beacon at the end of Holyhead's breakwater is one of only two square lighthouses around the coast of Great Britain. Maritime enthusiasts, and other groups working to regenerate the Anglesey town, want to develop the 132-year-old lighthouse as a working exhibit. It is part of an initiative to "sell" Holyhead's historical links with the sea to the two million plus passengers who pour through the nearby ferry terminal each year. The idea is being backed by volunteers who run the maritime museum - Holyhead's only pay-to-visit attraction - which is undergoing a phased £126,000 makeover. Museum spokesman John Cave said: "The lighthouse is virtually just opposite the museum on the other side of the outer harbour and we look at it as an obvious extension to what we are doing. "It is just one of two square lighthouses in the country. The other is on Bardsey, and we have got its bell on show in the museum. "Although it still acts as a navigational aid we want to make more use of it. "We may even set up an exhibition to show how the breakwater was built. It is one of the longest in the country and took 28 years to construct. "It was a huge job costing £1.25m." Mr Cave added: "We have started work on the museum and it should be ready by the end of May. "It involves transforming the tea-room into a stylish cafe bar-restaurant with large windows overlooking the sea leading out onto a wooden decking area. "We are also adapting an old air raid shelter at the back of the museum into a 1940's-style schoolroom with a small workshop." The scheme has already attracted cash backing from Menter Môn and ferry company Stena. A Welsh Development Agency bid has also been submitted. And next week Anglesey council's executive committee will be urged to make a contribution. In a detailed report about the scheme Dylan Williams, the council's strategic development and funding manager, predicts an increase in visitors to the museum. "It is hoped the improvement can act as a catalyst, together with other regeneration and development activities in the town, to improve Holyhead's image," he said.. | 
