CAMPAIGNERS are calling for the crumbling historic Martello Tower to be restored.

The Grade II-listed Tower E, in Hastings Avenue, Clacton, was built as part of a chain of 29 towers between 1808 and 1812 to defend England’s coastline during the Napoleonic war.

The fort, owned by Tendring Council, has been fenced off on health and safety grounds for two years.

Campaigners want it to be returned to its former glory.

History enthusiast Dave Bye and former district councillor Danny Mayzes launched a petition, which has so far attracted 1,200 signatures, calling on the council to restore the building.

Mr Mayzes has submitted a question to Carlo Guglielmi, councillor responsible for asset management, asking whther the authority will renovate the tower to a tenancy standard and remove the fencing.

It will be heard at a council meeting on Tuesday, Mr Mayzes said: “It is important we act now to rejuvenate this last remaining blight on Clacton’s seafront.

“We have support from residents, visitors and people simply wishing to see such a bruised landmark brought back to its former glory.

“Our aspiration is to set up a local committee to transform Tower E into a Clacton Museum celebrating all areas of our history and heritage from the arts and scouting to military and civic life.”

Tendring Council previously said an investor is being sought to restore a historic tower.

The council said external render is falling off the tower and the interior is suffering from damp.

It is estimated it will cost more than £150,000