Southport Pier to remain closed until repairs take place after extensive ice damage

Southport Pier will remain closed until repair work can be undertaken. 

Sefton Council said today that “extensive surveys will be taking place over the coming weeks” to repair the landmark structure, which was severely damaged by last month’s sub-zero temperatures and icy weather. 

The council said they closed Southport Pier to the public until further notice on 13th December after freezing temperatures caused significant and unavoidable damage to the pier’s decking boards.

A build-up of ice from coastal winds also made the surface treacherous underfoot.

Sefton Council announced earlier this year an ambitious project to replace more than 53 miles of decking boards along the iconic structure.

While the pier has undergone extensive repairs and refurbishments over the last 160 years, a £3 million project to replace the wooden decking along its entire 1.1km length was revealed recently by the local authority.

Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “We would like to thank everyone for their patience while we work hard to ensure Southport Pier is safe to reopen.

“Recent extreme cold weather has exacerbated existing damage to the Pier timber decking and we have taken the advice of independent structural engineers to temporarily close the attraction until repairs can be made.

“Extensive surveys will be taking place over the coming weeks and they will allow us to progress with all necessary works.

“Sefton Council had already earmarked over £3 million for full refurbishment of the 160-year-old Pier’s decking, which had been showing signs of deterioration prior to the cold snap.

“Once an independent structural engineer confirms it is safe to do so, Sefton Council will reopen the Pier.

“Further updates will be provided in due course.”

Southport Pier. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

The 1,000 metre long Southport Pier is the second longest in the country, a walk to the end boasts magnificent views.

It opened in August 1860. 

The pier has been host to famous entertainers, including Charlie Chaplin in the early 20th century. It was visited by steamliners in its heyday, but silting of the channel meant that by the 1920s very few steamers were able to reach the pier, and the service ceased in 1929. 

Repairs to Southport Pier date back to as early as 1890 and during its long history it has fallen victim to incredibly powerful storm damage, boat crashes and numerous fires in the 19th and 20th century. 

In 2018, extensive repairs and repainting works were carried out by Sefton Council to the Pier’s steelwork to combat corrosion from the sea.

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