Crowning Glory

Officials in the US are considering re-opening the crown of the Statue of Liberty for the first time since 9/11.
The statue’s base, pedestal and lower observation platform re-opened to the public in 2004 after a $20 million (£10 million) effort to enhance fire safety. But the crown and its interior viewing deck remained closed because the US National Park Service said there was no way to evacuate them safely in an emergency. The narrow spiral staircase that leads up to the crown doesn’t comply with fire and building regulations.

The Park Service has now sent a survey to nearly 800 security firms, asking them to prepare plans to address whether the statue can be updated to meet fire safety codes.
Democrat Representative Anthony Weiner is leading the drive to open up the final part of the statue to the public. He said: “Today’s news means that America is one step closer to providing what everyone wants: safe access to the heights of Lady Liberty.”

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by Andy Moreton