Rumours have swirled over whether or not a historic pier will be open for summer.
Sefton Council was forced to take the decision to shut Southport Pier last year after extreme weather caused "significant and unavoidable" damage to the decking boards of the pier. A number of inspections were carried out over a two-day period in December which led to the decision to close the tourist attraction.
Following a recent announcement from the council about tickets for Southport's famous air show, scheduled for September 9 and 10, people noticed that no tickets were made available for the pier. Speculation shortly began to spread throughout the town, with Sefton Council confirming that it is waiting on a survey of the pier.
READ MORE: Thomas Cashman trial updates as jury told of moment mum realised Olivia Pratt-Korbel had been shot
Southport Pier Pavillion, located at the end of the pier, released a statement on Wednesday, September 8, following speculation online. It said: "Good morning all, Just to clarify and stop the rumours.
"The air show tickets are not for sale for the pier as a precaution. We are awaiting results from the surveyors who are still on the pier. We should have results very soon. They will tell us whether we can re-open in the interim whilst the council procures a company to change all of the boards.
"When the work does eventually begin, because let’s be honest it’s taking its time and we are as frustrated as you all, then we will hopefully be having half done then the other half. So half of the pier will be open half at a time. Then we will end up with a nice new pier for next year.
"So the best case scenario is that we are allowed to re-open whilst we await a company being chosen (which could take months) and then a partial open whilst the works are being carried out. Worst case is that the surveyors deem the pier “unsafe” (which again everyone has their own opinions on) and we have to sit and watch our pier sat closed with no work happening until this company is secured. Could be the end of the season at this rate.
"So please bare with us and ignore the rumours. No matter what,
whether the pier is open in the interim there will be no air show tickets as it’s still unknown when the works will begin.
"Either way it’s a lose situation for us as if the pier is deemed safe by these surveyors it means that we have had our business unnecessarily closed down and this hasn’t been done fast enough. Ten staff members have been put out of work with ZERO notice and it’s very damaging for any business to be expected to just reopen again at a moments notice.
Thanks for reading and HOPING to see you all soon
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: "With feedback still awaited on the survey, no Air Show tickets are for sale at this time on the Pier."
Receive our weekly Sefton Live newsletter and breaking news email alerts by signing up here.
Schoolchildren arrested after horrific cat attack video emerges
Woman 'gave Thomas Cashman new clothes' after Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot
Eurovision Song Contest tickets being resold for £11,000
When and where snow will fall as Met Office issues four day weather warning
