Mr Ratcliffe said: ‘‘it is absolutely ludicrous and I am totally disgusted at what they are doing. My mind just boggles at the way they are dealing with a bit of history. The historical bodies say it is terrible but who has the muscle to do anything about it? It seems no-one has the interest or the pulling power.’’

The MCA carried out the requirement to have the mast inspected on a regular basis ensuring that it was safe to climb by contractors required to maintain the radio antennas. The last survey in 1997 confirmed the structure was unsafe to climb and a full structural survey was immediately commissioned. At this time the MCA was advised that the structure was a Grade II Listed mast.

The survey report confirmed the structure, which was purchased from the MOD in 1993, failed to satisfy the requirements of BS5950 and was not considered adequate under current loading conditions.

After serious and lengthy consideration of the survey, which showed the extent of steel corrosion was considerable, and after meetings with English Heritage, Suffolk Coastal District Council and health and safety executives it was concluded that the only way forward was to demolish the mast which would have cost £880,000 to repair.