Visitor plans for military fort

Chapel Bay Fort was built in 1891 to protect Milford Haven waterway. Enlarge Image

Plans to restore a 19th Century fort at Angle in Pembrokeshire and turn it into a visitor attraction are being backed by the county's national park.

Chapel Bay Fort was built in 1891 to protect the Milford Haven waterway.

A scheduled ancient monument, it was falling into ruin until it was acquired by military historian George Geear.

Now in the hands of a charitable trust, the site - with its dry moat and maze of underground tunnels - is being restored with help from volunteers.

The eventual aim is to turn it into a visitor centre documenting the restoration and charting the development of the fortifications of the Haven.

Mr Geear - who lives in the officer's mess - said planning permission would allow them to press ahead with the plans.

The project has been supported by small grants from Cadw, the Welsh monuments agency, and the lottery has funded a feasibility study.

"It was the first in the UK to be built principally from mass concrete and was the examination battery for Milford Haven during World War I," said Mr Geear.

"The Haven has fortifications going back to the Bronze Age but not one is open to the public.

The site will also house Mr Geear's collection of military artefacts

"It's partly restored but mostly derelict.

"(We want it) to be a memorial to the thousands who were stationed here and then sent off to the Western Front but never came back."

He said the speed of progress depended on being able to access funding but added that he and other volunteers were determined to continue with the work.

Some give up their time every week while others travel hundreds of miles and give a few days during their holidays. Servicemen have helped restore the 30ft deep dry moat - which involved removing 1,200 tonnes of rubbish.

The site will also house Mr Geear's collection of military artefacts, including an 18 tonne gun - which he said was the biggest in Wales.

The National Park's Development Management Officer Catherine Milner said: "The fort itself is of interest and importance and the fact that it will be open for members of the public is very welcome."