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Following the recent fire Wyre Council have confirmed that the structure is be completely demolished.

Following inspections by English Heritage and the Health and Safety Executive and in conjuction with a structural survey report the only course of action is it’s entire removal.

All parties agreed that the pier structure was too unsstable and had been so badly damaged that is simply could not remain in it’s current state. The concrete platform at the very end of the pier is also to be demolished. This work is necessary to enure the safety of the general public in this area.

(Photo Kindly Provided by John Stez)

It is anticipated that the site will be completely cleared within a month.

Garry Payne, Director of Planning and Regeneration for Wyre Borough Council, said: “Regrettably, the demolition of the complete pier structure would now seem the only course of action available.

“The structural report presented to the council was presented with concluded that the remaining elements were in such poor condition that they needed to be removed for safety reasons.”

“Although English Heritage is not statutorily required to comment because the pier is not a listed building, we accepted their invitation to survey the site as the pier is within the newly extended Fleetwood Conservation Area.”

“In addition, the HSE has independently visited the site and requested that access from the beach to any part of the remaining structure is prohibited in the interests of public safety.”

“We have discussed all these opinions with the pier owners and have reached agreement that the site will be cleared as soon as possible.”

Councillor Russell Forsyth, Leader of Wyre Borough Council, said: “Complete demolition of the pier is an outcome very few people would have wanted, but our first priority has always been to ensure the safety of the public.”

“A very difficult decision had to be made. However, it was taken following full and frank discussions with building experts who have all shared the same view.”

Southend council, the owners of the world famous Southend Pier are once again seeking a private investor to redevelop and potentially run the pier.

Previously the council has mainted overall control of the pier which has caused issues when trying to get investors interested in the pier.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft has said that they will remain as flexible as possible in a bid to attract much needed investment to the worlds longest pier.

Angus Meek Architects, Ray Hole Architects, Grimshaw, Stride Treglown, Atkins and Acanthus Ferguson Mann have all been selected by pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael to bid for the Grand Pier restoration. The project is expected to be at least worth £10m following the fire in July 2008 which destroyed much of the pier.

The breif is for schemes that are sympathetic to the existing old pavilion and that will deliver an extremely energy efficient plan that will sit upon the exisitng structure.

(Image provided courtesy of The Worthing Hearld)

Part of Worthing Pier in Sussex will be closed for two month following a crash from a paddle steamer.  The accident caused damage to the lower deck ripping off a 15foot piece of timber as the paddle steamer Waverley was attempting to birth.

The steamer was scheduled to board around 500 passangers including Christine Brown, the Mayor of Worthing.

The Waverley is the UK’s last remaining paddle steamer and following the accident continued onto southampton without the Worthing Passengers.

Worthing Borough Council said the loss of the timber section meant iron gratings on the pier were left unsupported.

A spokeswoman for the council operated pier said: “The pier remains open with only a small part of the structure where the damage occurred closed.

“It is estimated the south section of the landing stage will be closed for up to eight weeks or more leaving the east and west sides open.

“The specialist timber needed for the repair will take at least three weeks to arrive and then with a decent low tide and good weather the repairs can be made.

“The Waverley sustained some damage and the council is liaising with its insurers.”

Rumours are rife that Hastings Pier has been sold after the locks to the pier where changed overnight.

Neither the current owners of the pier, Ravenclaw nor the council have confirmed what has happened.

It is thought that the purchase is linked to plans to turn the pier into residential accomodation….watch this space!