Signalling intent to save the famous Wychbold Masts

MEASURES are being discussed to safeguard the long-term future of the iconic Wychbold (Droitwich) transmitting masts.

It comes as the long-wave signal it broadcast was switched off after 92 years.

A special ceremony to mark the moment was held at Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre on Saturday.

Picture by Paul Jones. s

The arrival of ‘the Droitwich Transmission Station’ in 1934 transformed communication across Britain. For the first time, the BBC Home Service was available across the whole of the UK.

The station played an important role during the Second World War when it was used to send encoded messages to Allied forces in Europe during major operations.

From the 1970s, the masts broadcast BBC stations, including Radio 4, delivering programmes such as The Archers and The Shipping Forecast.

Saturday’s commemoration was attended by the Mayor of Droitwich, Coun Sue Brazier, Deputy Mayor, Coun David Davidson, Droitwich Town Crier, Edgar Harwood, and Coun Bob Brookes.

Picture by Paul Jones. s

Speeches were given outside the building, there was an extra temporary exhibition about the masts, the opening hours of the heritage centre were extended and a talk on the history of the masts was given by Alastair Moseley from the Bromsgrove Society.

Joint Droitwich Heritage Centre manager Rebecca Butler said the event was well-attended and went really well.

“We have had more than 100,000 views on our Facebook posts about the switching off on the signal which shows how important the masts are to everyone.

“It really is the end of an era.”

Mr Moseley hopes the masts are preserved.

He said: “A lot of people love them as a landmark – they dominate the landscape without being overbearing.

“I personally think it would be an ideal place for a national broadcasting museum – right in the middle of the country and with great road access.”

Picture by Paul Jones. s

A request to English Heritage to get them listed was turned down as most of the buildings surrounding the masts had been demolished.

The Twentieth Century Society, which called for the listing, said it was frustrating the request was refused but added, while they were still standing, there were other ways to preserve and protect them.

“Whatever the plans for the site’s future – even if it is for development – there should be a way of keeping them.

“There are other listed masts and towers around the country and, whilst they may be taller, their history is probably not as interesting as the Wychbold Masts’.”

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Ian Macleod, Wychavon’s director of planning and infrastructure, said: “We understand the importance of the Wychbold masts, both to the local community and to the nation’s wartime history.

“We have already explored every available option to strengthen their protection through statutory listing.

“An application to have the masts nationally listed was unsuccessful, as was an appeal against that decision.

“We have now applied to Historic England for the site to be scheduled as a nationally important monument, which would mean formal consent is needed before any changes could be made.

“We are currently awaiting a decision.”

The Droitwich Transmitter, known locally as The Wychbold Masts, were completed in 1934 for the BBC – becoming the world’s most modern long wave transmitter. s

The authority has also looked at locally listing the masts.

But, because they are already considered a non-designated heritage asset, their historic significance must already be taken into account when determining any planning application so local listing would not add extra protection.