Over 2,000 pier plaques which have been dedicated to loved ones and placed on Southport Pier over the years will be returned to the landmark once the £20 million restoration has been completed next year.
Stand Up For Southport has received several queries from people recently asking what is happening to the plaques, with Southport Pier Trust having overall responsibility for them.
All 2,000 plus plaques on Southport Pier have been carefully removed and placed into secure storage, awaiting their replacement at a later date.
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Peter Hampson, Chairman of Southport Pier Trust, said: “This precautionary measure removes any potential for accidental loss or damage to the plaques while the pier remains closed to the public and the decking and structure undergoes intrusive assessment, including the complete removal of a number of large sections of decking.
“Securing all the plaques was the best option, rather than leaving it to chance that all the plaques could and would be safely recovered over a period of time potentially by a number of different contractors.
“We would like to thank the current contractors, A E Yates who have produced a detailed condition report and record of the location and layout of all the plaques before diligently removing and securing them for the Trust. This work has been undertaken as part of their local social value programme, at no cost to either the charitable Trust or the Council. The record will be invaluable as an essential starting point for our future discussions and planning for the replacement of the plaques on the structure once fully repaired.
“The plaques were originally installed in the early 2000s to mark charitable donations made by over 2,000 members of the public.
“ The funds raised were used to pay for the manufacture and laying of the plaques themselves, and as match funding for a number of projects not covered by the original Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.”
The number of donations made was thought to be instrumental in demonstrating the level of public support for the proposed rebuild and thus, in helping to secure the original HLF grant to undertake it.
Peter Hampson said: “The Trust remains determined to see that the plaques are appropriately displayed, at the earliest possible opportunity, on a fully refurbished and reopened pier.
“The local volunteer Trustees and the Trust as a body, continue to work with Sefton Council to progress this shared ambition.”
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