A much-loved seaside resort is heading into the busy summer season without its most famous tourist attraction.
Day trippers and holidaymakers will soon start to pour into Southport, but many will find themselves surprised to see its pier closed to the public. The pier - the second longest in the country - was suddenly blocked off late last year after significant damage was found.
That decision disappointed many in the town and forced the closure of Southport Pier Pavilion - the café and arcade which is located at the far end of the 1,000m long structure. Months on, there is still no end in sight and uncertainty surrounds just how long the closure may last.
