A FAMILIAR sight has returned to illuminate the sky around Washford after warning lights were reconnected on the iconic radio masts at the former BBC transmitting station.

Now part of the popular Tropiquaria Zoo, the transmitters have been unlit for around 15 years following a change in aviation rules and the advent of new automated warning systems to alert aircraft to their presence.

But new owners Arqiva, who took over former owner the National Grid Wireless, decided there would be light once again following a review of all the transmitters in their ownership.

A spokesman for the company said: "Following the merger of Arqiva and National Grid Wireless, our mast lighting policies were combined to reflect current best practice.

"This included a review of the combined mast portfolio and we identified some sites which are very close to the 150-metre requirement for aircraft warning lights.

"Washford was among those and we have now fitted medium-intensity lights in line with the latest CAA regulations."

But the Washford illuminations have not proved popular with everyone - some residents in Five Bells are planning to complain to Arqiva that the lights are spoiling their night-time vista.

The Washford Transmitting Station - now a grade two listed building in its own right - was built in the 1930s and was staffed up until 1983.

The concrete building had been earmarked for demolition until it was listed by English Heritage.

It is now home to a radio museum and the numerous exotic inhabitants at Tropiquaria.

Photo: Steve Guscott