Damaged Worthing Pier to reopen after emergency repairs

Worthing Pier is set to reopen following emergency repairs

Storm damaged Worthing Pier is set to reopen from Wednesday after being closed for more than seven weeks.

The West Sussex pier has been closed since 9 October, after Worthing Borough Council engineers identified damage to its iron supports.

Repairs were had been delayed following the discovery of "hidden damage" but began on 13 November.

Leader of Worthing Borough Council, Sophie Cox, said: “This project has shown just how much the people of Worthing think about their pier and how important it is to the town and its identity.”

Council engineers identified damage to the underside supports of the pier

On Thursday, engineers dismantled scaffolding on the pier and now workers will complete above-deck repairs.

The work includes repairs to art work which the council suspects was vandalised while the pier was closed.

Some businesses on the pier were given just 12 hours warning of the closure.

Owner of restaurant Perch on the Pier, Ale Coombes, said: "It’s been an extraordinarily difficult time, filled with uncertainty and stress.

"We’ve prioritised looking after our team and guests and can’t wait to have them both back on the pier."

The council has estimated costs of repairs to be in excess of £430,000, which will not be covered by its existing budget for pier maintenance.