Air raid siren reaches 'end of working life'

An air raid siren at Guernsey's Victoria Tower which is used to mark Liberation Day has reached the "end of its working life", according to the States.

Helen Glencross, head of culture and heritage, said it was "working on a solution" before this year's events - but described it as a "complex process".

She said the siren at St Peter Port was of a "significant age", its parts had been difficult to "repair or replace" and it no longer worked "despite sustained efforts over several years".

"We know how important the Victoria Tower siren is to the island, including for moments of collective reflection, and we share the community's desire to see it operating reliably again," Glencross said.

Victoria Tower was built in 1848 to commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to the island in 1846, according to Guernsey Museums and Galleries,

Designed by William Colling, it includes different types of stonework and architectural features which were "designed to represent the Queen, her empire and her achievements".

Sirens were installed around the island in 1937 and first used for their intended purpose in June 1940 when St Peter Port harbour was bombed.

The St Peter Port air raid siren is used on Liberation Day in Guernsey.

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