Bring back town's landmark pier, says boxing champ

Couch was awarded an MBE for services to women's boxing in the UK

Former world champion boxer Jane Couch is calling for Fleetwood to get its popular landmark pier back.

The Lancashire town lost the structure when it burnt down in September 2008 and the site has been empty ever since.

The 57-year-old, who grew up in the town and still lives there, said Fleetwood would be given a massive boost if a new leisure amenity could be built on the seafront site, which could offer an arcade, a beach bar and a function room for bands.

"We really need some more positive things to happen to Fleetwood and this would bring people onto the seafront and make use of that empty space," she said.

Couch, who was awarded an MBE for services to women's boxing in the UK, said the town is desperately in need of new amenities to kickstart tourism, investment and a positive boost for residents.

She said: "When Fleetwood had its pier it attracted people from outside the town and they'd spend time and money here.

"I've been speaking to some of Fleetwood's business people, I've approached the former mayor of Wyre, councillor Jane Preston, and they think it's a good idea.

"There's a long way to go and discussions to be had, but if we bring people together I'm sure we can make things happen."

The town lost its pier when it burnt down in September 2008

Couch said she had spoken with Mike Simmon, also known as entertainer Joey Blower, who took on a long-term lease of the pier site with Wyre council and at one time proposed to put a hotel on the site, and he expressed interest in her proposals.

A meeting between interested parties has now been arranged for 12 December to discuss ideas and possible ways ahead.

Residents awoke to see huge plumes of smoke and flames leaping from the pier on 9 September 2008.

Despite the efforts of more than 70 firefighters, the historic boardwalk was completely engulfed.

Within a few weeks the site had been demolished and cleared and despite efforts to redevelop the site, it remains untouched, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.