NEW Quay historians are calling for the town’s iconic ‘Pepperpot’ lighthouse – which stood on the end of New Quay Pier for almost a century – to be rebuilt.

The late, lamented landmark which stands out in so many of the town’s pre-war photos, was destroyed by a severe storm in 1937 and never brought back.

Dan Potter, newly elected county councillor, revealed last year he was drawing up plans to restore the pier to its former glory. And now historians have given their backing.

“Ultimately I’d like to see ‘The Pepperpot’, which was blown down in a storm, put back there,” Dan said.

Now local historians have given the idea their backing. Well-known author Sue Passmore said a reconstructed Pepperpot would add “immeasurably” to New Quay – provided the necessary funds could be found.

“I knew someone who was a young girl in 1937 and actually saw the Pepperpot get washed away,” Sue said.

“She was standing on her doorstep in Rock Street and called out to her mother that the lighthouse had gone, but her mother didn’t believe her.

“I was born a year afterwards and as a child I vividly remember this great hole surrounded by concrete where the Pepperpot had once stood. It wasn’t filled in for several years and us children were just in awe looking at it.”

Built at end of the pier in 1839, the Pepperpot was visible for up to 10 miles despite being only 30ft high.

See this week’s South Ceredigion edition for the full story, in shops and online now