An historic fort in Dovercourt is to be fenced off for security - but the public will still be able to access it during daylight.

Tendring Council, which owns part of the Beacon Hill Fort, is planning to fence the entire site and seal underground tunnels.

It has been estimated the work would cost £50,000.

Once the work is complete, the council will work with English Heritage to open the site, parts of which date from the late 1800s, to the public during the day.

Harwich mayor Ann Evander welcomed the news but said: "What about a time scale? Let's see it happen."

Town councillors last night decided to ask Tendring Council when work would go ahead.

Fears over public safety at the fort heightened last summer when the mutilated body of Gregory Chung, a chef at a Harwich Chinese takeaway, was found there.

Children have regularly used the fort, situated off Barrack Lane, as a play area. Fears have previously been raised about the site - particularly its underground tunnels. Firemen have warned of the dangers after a number of fires in the tunnels over the years.

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