Highbridge, renowned for its role as the receiving station for the world’s largest maritime radio station, Portishead Radio Station, remains without a plaque commemorating this significant heritage due to unresolved land ownership issues.
Portishead Radio Station operated until 2000 and its site was demolished in 2007 to make way for the Mulholland Park housing estate. When planning permission was granted in 2006, developers Bellway Homes and Taylor Wimpey pledged £15,000 for a memorial celebrating the station’s contributions.
Larry Bennett, a former radio officer at Portishead Radio, highlighted the importance of the station during a Somerset Council meeting on September 25. He recalled how the station once housed the world’s largest Morse code operating room, with over 50 active positions at peak times, facilitating communication with more than 1,000 ships daily via Morse code, radio-telephony, and radio telex. The station served mariners globally for more than 80 years and played a crucial role in maritime safety and the local community.
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Despite efforts spanning nearly two decades by Bennett and fellow former staff, the memorial project remains stalled. While a plaque and informational board have been designed—with an additional £1,000 pledged by the Radio Officers’ Association—the memorial cannot be installed without permission to use the land.
The core issue stems from boundary disputes that have prevented the transfer of the public open space within Mulholland Park to Somerset Council. Without ownership of the land, the council cannot legally erect the memorial using the developer contributions.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, responsible for community and cultural affairs, expressed regret over the prolonged delay. She confirmed that Taylor Wimpey paid the pledged £15,000 in 2008 and those funds remain ring-fenced, but stressed that legal steps are being pursued to compel Bellway Homes to transfer the land. The council remains committed to resolving the matter and progressing the memorial plans as swiftly as possible.
Larry Bennett and supporters urge Somerset Council to expedite the resolution, emphasizing that this piece of national and local maritime history deserves recognition. While the town of Portishead honors the transmitting site’s legacy, Highbridge’s receiving station merits equal commemoration to preserve its enduring global significance.