Businesses ‘blindsided’ by closure after pier damage

Alex Coombes, owner of Perch on the Pier, said he was given 12 hours’ notice of the closure

Businesses have said they were “blindsided” by the temporary closure of a pier in West Sussex after it was damaged by severe weather.

A routine inspection by engineers found that one of the supports on the underside of Worthing Pier had suffered what is believed to be storm damage.

Alex Coombes, owner of Perch on the Pier restaurant, said he was given 12 hours’ notice of the closure.

Worthing Borough Council said: “Although the closure is frustrating, keeping everyone safe has to come first.”

Worthing Pier in West Sussex has been closed temporarily as a safety precaution

Repair works, set to begin on 15 October, are expected to take several days depending on weather conditions, the council said.

Tern Restaurant, which is located on the pier, is looking for a temporary site while the repairs take place.

“One of the downsides of running a restaurant in such a uniquely beautiful heritage site is our vulnerability to the elements, but this time it has really blindsided us,” owner Johnny Stanford said on social media.

“Whilst we are pleased that the council are resolving to fix these issues immediately, we’re obviously devastated to have to close for an extended period at such short notice.”

The restaurant owner is on the hunt for a space with a kitchen and space for 28 tables.

Mr Coombes said: “Our main concern is looking after both our guests, who have reservations with us over the next week, and our staff.”

He said guests would be accommodated at other Perch venues in the county.

Watercraft including boats and paddleboards have also been prohibited from going under the pier until the work is carried out.

It is the first time in more than 25 years that such an event has happened, the council added.

“The council is grateful for everyone’s patience while the repairs take place, in particular the pier businesses and their staff,” a spokesman said.