Council votes to progress compulsory purchase order for Birnbeck Pier
Officers will prepare for making a compulsory purchase order for ‘the pier and the associated land holding’ after the authority’s executive voted in favour of the proposed way forward, which could take up to two years. Deputy leader Mike Bell said: “This is the beginning of exploring the compulsory purchase order and finding partners from the private or voluntary sector to work with us”.
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Southend Pier breaks visitor number records!
Southend Pier has just had its most popular January since records began in 2006. 16,818 people visited the world’s longest pleasure pier, beating the 14,084 visitors recorded in January 2019. The weather, a number of seal sightings, and a £1 winter walk offer are all thought to have helped boost numbers.
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Mumbles Pier gets royal seal of approval!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Mumbles pier and lifeboat station before heading off to sample Swansea’s famous Joe’s ice cream. Along their travels hundreds turned out to line the streets and get a glimpse of the royal couple who were only too happy to wave and speak to those turning out to give them a warm welcome.
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Starling murmurations return to Brighton
Murmurations are not fully understood, but it is thought that when there are such vast numbers of birds all wheeling and turning together, it makes it much harder for predators to single out one particular bird. Although it can’t be made out in the video, a peregrine falcon was stalking this flock as it took to the skies.
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First major study into piers and sea level rise
The report captures the dilemma facing San Francisco and other coastal cities. In a world where aged waterfronts have become civic treasures, how do we strike a balance between preparing for climate change and protecting the urban environment?
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The Piers Project – your stories and memories of piers wanted!
Paul Tracey is now over two years into his impressive Piers Project. Paul is painting as many seaside piers as possible, both in the UK and overseas, as well as collecting memories, stories and anecdotes to accompany his paintings. The Piers Project now consists of 60 paintings of piers alongside notes, postcards and historic pictures. If you would like to share your memories of your favourite Pier with Paul please contact him at his website via the link below.
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National Piers Society Pier Of The Year: Voting Closes 29th February
National Piers Society members can vote for the 2020 Pier Of The Year by emailing their nomination to membership@piers.org.uk
All piers that are currently open for business are eligible EXCEPT the winners from the last five years (Cromer, Cleethorpes, Hastings, Southsea South Parade, Worthing).

Storm damage at Birnbeck Pier
Birnbeck Pier has sustained some damaged after being hit by Storm Ciara. Photos appear to show part of the pier’s north jetty collapsing into the sea following the extreme weather. Yet North Somerset Council, which has seen the images, said not a lot is new damage.
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Blankenberge Pier buried under sand
The pier at Blankenberge in Belgium was buried under tonnes of sand in the aftermath of Storm Ciara.
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Partial collapse of Clacton Pier deck
A “small section” of the deck gave way at Clacton Pier in Essex, when concrete was being poured ahead of the installation of a new rollercoaster. The area had been closed to the public and the work was being done in “controlled conditions” when nobody was under the structure, a spokesman said.
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Further storm damage at Weston Birnbeck Pier
Simon Talbot Parsons, who works for The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, says he is now fearful about potential future damage. He said: “The main structure is still just about intact but I won’t be surprised if some more of the pier falls off in a few days time”.
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Ilfracombe Pier redevelopment plans get the go-ahead
Plans for redevelopment around Ilfracombe Pier which will see some of the 1950s ticket kiosks removed have been approved. North Devon Council’s planning committee gave their go ahead to two applications that the council had put forward for the seaside town.
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Clacton Pier rides set to reopen
Clacton Pier have announced that the outdoor rides will reopen on the 29th February. They have blamed the storms and the damage for the delay in opening.
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New cabins available to rent at Hastings Pier
Four new timber-framed cabins have become available to rent on Hastings Pier for £1,000 a month. A spokesperson for Eastbourne Property Shop, which is handling the sale, said: “This commercial space on iconic Hastings Pier would suit retail or office space or a company wanting to create brand awareness by being situated on this prestigious landmark”.
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