Prestonpans: Preston Tower staircase criticism is ‘disgusting’

A significant amount of grant-funded repair work has taken place at the tower, parts of which date back to the 15th century.

Work has included repairs to the doo’cot, installation of new interpretation boards, a new garden seating area around a carved stone contemplation circle and new paths, and the installation of a metal external staircase.

Repair work at the tower is valued at £1.1 million, and work to fully reopen the historic tower is expected to conclude next month.

READ MORE: £1.1 million repair work at Preston Tower is nearing completion

However, some members of the community council raised concerns at a meeting of the group last week about negative comments regarding the look of the external staircase on social media.

Janis Wilson, secretary of the group, said: “There have been a few niggling comments about the staircase, which is frustrating. But most of the feedback is positive.

“Some comments about the staircase are disgusting, though, and it is frustrating.”

Group chair DJ Johnston-Smith had previously raised the concerns at past meetings, explain-ing that the staircase had garnered criticism for not being made out of wood.

He said that the staircase had to be made out of metal in the interest of prolonging its life and preventing vandalism.

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Dr Johnston-Smith added that he wanted to focus on the positive impact the tower would have on the town.

He said: “There will always be negative comments but the tower will be a great thing for Prestonpans and a lot of hard work has gone into it.

“There have been some comments about putting a new roof on – that’s a whole different project in itself which would require far more money.

“The aspiration now is to have the tower open by June and that in itself is a great achievement.

“This has been a powerful, engaging community project that will have huge benefits for Prestonpans.”