With the confirmation that Southport Pier will remain closed for "weeks", residents have hit back at Sefton Council.
Problems surrounding the pier started in May of last year, a report by the council said the pier which first opened in 1860 was "rotting from within" and would cost £3m to repair. During the cold weather snap in December problems increased for the pier when it was closed due to “significant and unavoidable damage”.
Many residents believe that the renovations are well "overdue" and one of the most important landmarks in the town is at risk. A prospect that is not new to the people of Southport.
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A 1990 report estimated that it would cost £900,000. A demolition proposal was rejected (by one vote) by Sefton’s Leisure Services Committee. In October 1998, the pier received a heritage grant of £1.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, awarded to support restoration and access.
Speaking to the ECHO Stephen Whittle Museum Manager at the Atkinson said: "I remember the pier very fondly from my childhood and it speaks to the people of rich past. It's very important to everyone in Southport.
"It has always played a major part in the history of the town and its heritage. I can't see that it will not be part of the future of the town but it has had to change as Southport has changed."
Along the walkway are name plaques that local people funded to help towards raising restoration funds. For many people in Southport, they represent what the pier means to the town.
One woman said: "I think it's totally disingenuous of Sefton Council to suggest that cold weather is responsible for the indefinite closure of our pier. I would suggest that it is a complete lack of foresight by this council, who have consistently failed to make proper provisions for funding a regular programme of maintenance.
"I feel dreadfully sad for the people who paid money for remembrance plaques to loved ones, only to see them left to disintegrate in the boards that haven't seen a covering of protective varnish since the day they were laid."
In December Southport Pier Pavilion, a café at the end of the pier, hit out at the council stating they are "frustrated" by the continued closure and expected the "work to be done". However, the council has said "extensive" surveys will need to be carried out before the pier can reopen.
One woman who used to work at the café said: "The cold snap of weather makes me laugh as I think a new renovation is well overdue and has been for many years. It was one of the best tourist attractions for years and I remember when you couldn't see each end with the amount of people walking there.
"It is a lovely attraction of Southport and should have the appreciation it deserves and be maintained and looked after."
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 £3m for the 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.”
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