 THE Planet lightship, anchored at the Mersey Bar, was the first and last sight of home for millions of seafarers and passengers for many years. This little red lightship, along with her predecessors, symbolises this world famous port's history. Without doubt, Planet is the most iconic Mersey vessel still afloat. The story that follows, of Planet's astonishing survival, triumphant return to Liverpool, restoration and now rejection, will cause anybody who cares about the city, its history and its soul, to put their head in their hands and weep. In spite of Planet being one of the Mersey's most important maritime survivors, the lightship's presence in Albert Dock, moored by Blue Bar, is deemed "inappropriate in scale". Planet's owner, Manchester-based entrepreneur Gary McClarnan, has been told to "consider his options", a move described as "despicable" by Mersey Lightvessel Preservation Society. In spite of Liverpool's seemingly vast dock estate, in fact suitable berths for a ship like Planet are limited. The only feasible Liverpool option McClarnan has is the adjacent Canning Half-tide Dock, but its depth varies and the lightship's 12ft draught means it could be damaged by the dock bottom. There are also security problems with this exposed berth. So it's no option at all, really, which leaves him with the more tempting alternative to leave Liverpool entirely for Manchester, where authorities at both Salford and Trafford are ready to welcome Planet. He says: "I feel I'm being harassed and hounded out like some gypsy who has nowhere to go. I've had Planet's water supply cut off for three days and access to the ship was barricaded at one point. "I've been told that some of the tenants worry Planet may become a bar, which is not the aim and would require planning and licensing permission. | 
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