Second phase of pier repair works approved

Repairs to the access stairs to the lower deck and overhead beams have already been completed

A budget for the second phase of repairs to a Kent pier has been approved after surveys found significant storm damage.

Deal Pier has already undergone £140,000 worth of repairs as part of efforts to ensure the historic structure survives long-term.

The £1m budget allocation was signed off by Dover District Council's (DDC) cabinet on Monday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service says.

A DDC officer explained that boat surveys undertaken in spring had highlighted the need for remedial works to be undertaken on the concrete legs of the pier.

They said that, despite this, the general structure was considered to be in "fair to good condition".

"Given the structure is over 70 years old this is good news," the officer added.

Repairs to the access stairs to the lower deck and overhead beams were successfully completed in autumn and winter last year, at a cost of £140,000.

With the £1m budget now approved, officers plan to put out a contract to tender for the concrete repairs after which the matter will return to the cabinet.

They will then assess whether they can also afford cathodic protection - a technique used to prevent the corrosion of submerged or underground metallic structures.

Repairs are set to take place in spring and summer 2026.

DDC chief executive Nadeem Azeez said that while the concrete repairs were necessary, the cathodic protection would be "an enhancement".

"Probably just doing the concrete repairs would certainly give it another 30, 40 or 50 years of life, cathodic protection will give it a bit more," he added.