Southend Pier – the latest
Published Tuesday 6th September 11 in Council - news and information releases news
A contractor’s barge moored alongside Southend Pier was pushed into the Pier today by extreme weather conditions and heavy swell.
This early morning incident damaged a section of the walkway, so the Pier was immediately closed and structural engineers are attending to examine what repairs will be needed.
The barge, which has now been safely towed away, was being used to store steel for the contractors working on replacing the Pier's fire main.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: "Southend Pier is an iconic attraction and experts are assessing the level of damage, considering how best to repair this as quickly as possible.
"We can confirm that the area of the Pier struck by the barge is not the part which is the subject of a planning application due to be considered shortly by the Council's Development Control committee.
"This is a proposal to develop and enhance the Pier Head, giving even more to offer our residents and visitors."