Worthing Pier's 'hidden damage' uncovered

More damage to Worthing Pier's supports has been discovered

Repairs to Worthing Pier will be more substantial than initially thought after more damage was uncovered.

The West Sussex pier was closed on 10 October after engineers discovered one of the underside supports had been damaged during a storm.

Following removal of one pile, contractors discovered hidden damage to further supports.

Adur & Worthing Councils said in a statement: "We believe this was caused by the extra strain they are currently under from the weight of the pier."

Temporary measures to partially reopen the pier by late November will be a larger undertaking than expected, say the councils.

They say they will have an update from their engineers next week but have not indicated whether the partial reopening will be delayed.

Interim repairs are due to be carried out in the next tidal window, which is due from 14 November.

The work "is necessary so that our contactors can safely work underneath the pier to complete inspections of the structure and carry out the permanent repairs", added the councils.

The pier has been closed to the public since 10 October after storm damage

Some businesses were given just 12 hours' notice of the pier's closure.

Adur & Worthing Councils say they are now in regular contact with the affected businesses.

Their statement said: "We're working with them to explore possible ways that we can support them while the work on the pier continues."

Meanwhile, Worthing Lions' pier firework display was cancelled for the first time in 25 years.