Southend Pier Closed For Two Weeks

8 September 2011, 17:53

Heart's been told Southend Pier will stay closed for the next two weeks so repair work can take place.

It's after strong winds caused a barge to crash into it early Tuesday morning (September 6th).

Contractors are going to start temporary works on the structure on Wednesday (September 14th) which is expected to last for 10 days.

Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Derek Jarvis, said: "The structural engineer who has been examining the pier has still not been able to make a full damage assessment due to continuing bad weather and tidal conditions.

"But he has been able to set out the temporary repairs which are necessary to enable the public to have access to the pier again and we estimate these will take 10 days to implement.

"We are aiming to get the pier opened to residents and visitors again in time for the Waverley's arrival and the first day of the busking event on Saturday 24th September.

"The full repairs will involve a second phase of works which are currently estimated to take between four and six weeks.

"These will be scheduled to take place later in the autumn, but the public will continue to have safe access to the pier while they are carried out."