Images show scale of damage to be fixed at pier
NEW images show significant damage at Southport Pier as the iconic structure remains closed to the public.
The pier was shut for safety reasons by Sefton Council after extreme weather in December 2022.
Extensive exploratory and invasive investigative works are currently taking place on the Pier to assess what needs to be done to safely reopen it.
Sefton Council has now published images provided by its contractor A E Yates, which show holes and erosion in the pier’s steelwork as well as damage to the decking boards. The exploratory works are taking place in stages as Sefton Council continues to seek a long term funding solution for the major capital works and ongoing maintenance required.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said: “If there is anyone out there who still believes the Pier should not currently be closed then these images will make them think again.
“Our contractors A E Yates have been superb in carrying out these exploratory works and without them extensively removing the decking boards, we would not be able to see the shocking level of damage to the steelwork.
“As everyone can see this is by no means a small task and I want to thank A E Yates for their work so far. It gives us an even better understanding of the current structural integrity of the Pier.
“Sadly, owing to poor workmanship commissioned in 2000, work that should have lasted up to 30 years for timber and longer for the steel work was sub-standard and we inherited a structure that was flawed. These pictures clearly show that.
“As we all know you can patch up a car or a house with temporary repairs and fixes, but if the structure you’re maintaining is flawed, you are going to need some major work and that’s the point we have reached.
Cllr Atkinson added: “As custodians of this iconic structure, Sefton Council has reiterated its complete support towards the full refurbishment of Southport Pier.
“However, the Council simply does not have the budgets required to fulfil these works without help, and we strongly believe that a nationally significant heritage asset such as this should have national funding allocated for both the project and the ongoing maintenance thereafter.”
It is estimated the full refurbishment works required to ensure the pier can open safely again could exceed £13m.
This is more than £10m in excess of the £3m the council has already agreed to borrow to fund decking replacement. More than £3m has been spent maintaining and fixing issues with Southport Pier since 2016 but it now needs sufficient funding for major work to make it safe to re-open, and for ongoing maintenance thereafter.
Sefton Council says it continues to engage with potential funders and stakeholders about the future of the pier.