Worthing Pier in West Sussex has been closed temporarily as a safety precaution after one of its supports was damaged in the recent severe weather.
Worthing Borough Council have said in a statement: “During the autumn and winter Worthing Borough Council occasionally has to close the pier to make sure residents and visitors are not put at risk during particularly strong coastal winds.
“However while the council’s engineers were carrying out a regular inspection of the pier, they identified that in recent days part of the underside of the structure had unfortunately suffered what is believed to be storm damage.
“It is believed to be the first time in more than 25 years that such an event has happened in Worthing.
“The safety of the public is the council’s priority so on the advice of independent structural engineers it has brought in contractors to make sure the pier is safe and to carry out repairs. In the meantime the council has closed the pier until that work has been completed.
“The repair can only take place at a spring low tide, when the tide goes far enough out for the work to be done safely. The intention is that the work will begin on the next spring tide, on 15th October 2024. It could take several days to complete in suitable weather conditions.
“In the meantime, watercraft including boats and paddleboards must not go under the pier. The council has contacted local fishermen and harbour authorities about this.
“The council is grateful for everyone’s patience while the repairs take place, in particular the pier businesses and their staff. Although the closure is frustrating, keeping everyone safe has to come first.”
