Rotting listed pier decking work will cost £206k
THE entire decking along Southport Pier is to be replaced due to rotting from within.
The work will be carried out in a series of phases on the historic Grade II Listed structure, which first opened in August
1860 and is the oldest iron pier in the country.
Its length of 1,108m (3,635 ft) makes it the second-longest in Great Britain, after Southend Pier.
Sefton Council is due to approve £206,053 of spending so the vital Southport Pier Decking Project repair works can be undertaken.
In a report to Sefton Council, executive director of corporate resources and customer services Stephan Van Arendsen said: “Southport Pier is a Grade II-listed structure, the oldest cast iron pier in England and the second longest.
“The asset is a critical element to Southport’s visitor economy along with the wider economy of the borough.
“The Pier decking needs to be replaced in its entirety due to its current condition.
“The decking is rotting from within meaning it is only detected when a timber piece snaps.
“The council employed a specialist timber expert who devised a programme of works and the specification of timber.
“The replacement decking will have to be done in several phases.”
At a full council meeting on Thursday (May 19), councillors will be asked to provide funds for the work to be done.
Mr Van Arendsen said: “The council sets aside an amount of funding each year towards a sinking fund that is intended for periodic repairs and replacement works such as those specified.
“It will be necessary to add an additional £91,256 during 2022/23 to fund the decking project as the current balance on the fund is insufficient to cover the full cost.
“Future annual contributions to the sinking fund will be reduced to reflect the additional contribution in 2022/23 to ensure there is no additional cost to the council.
“Council is therefore recommended to approve a supplementary capital estimate of £206,053.”
L & R Prior Limited trading as Drive Revive UK of 2A Fernleigh Leyland PR26 7AL is applying for a licence to use Johnsons (Bank) 43-45 Hoole Lane Banks Southport PR9 8BD as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 0 trailers.
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.