A watch station which has kept a close eye on the coast for more than 22 years has permanently closed.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) in Herne Bay moved into its base at the Eastern Esplanade in 2001 and since then volunteers have been the eyes and ears of the shore, by monitoring radio channels and staying alert in poor visibility.

The facility was forced into temporary closure in March when structural issues were identified with the building.

Now bosses say it is with “deep sadness” the station will not be reopening, but they will look for an alternative site.

Richard Farr from NCI Herne Bay said: “It is with enormous regret and a deep sadness that on behalf of the crew at NCI Herne Bay I have to announce the permanent closure of the town's watch station at Eastern Esplanade.

“The notice is now attached to the building, which acted as an NCI look out continuously from 2001 until March 2023 when structural issues forced a temporary closure.

“Due to circumstances beyond the control of anyone at NCI Herne Bay that closure has today (June 29) become permanent.

“NCI Herne Bay, which had its first committee established in 1999, remains an entity however and efforts to identify an alternative location for a Watch Station are on-going.”

The NCI currently has around 60 stations which are manned by more than 2,600 volunteer watchkeepers around the British Isles.

When people get into trouble, volunteers alert HM Coastguard and direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty.