Southend Pier trains pause for essential work

One of the trains was named after the late MP for Southend West, Conservative Sir David Amess

Railway trains operating on Southend Pier will be out of action for nearly a month so essential maintenance work can be carried out, the local council has said.

The carriages take tourists up and down the 1.3 mile-long structure (2.1km), which is the longest pleasure pier in the world.

Work is due to be carried out between Monday and 5 April.

"This essential work will ensure the trains run smoothly in time for the summer season," said Matt Dent, Labour cabinet member for culture, tourism and business on Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Two electric trains were introduced at the pier in April 2022, courtesy of a £3.5m investment.

However, only the diesel train will be operational after the work is complete, the city council confirmed.

The pier will remain open to the public during the works.