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Birnbeck Pier campaigners say rescue package was 'just in time'

BBC Birnbeck PierBBC
The pier closed to the public in 1994 and has fallen into increasing disrepair since

Campaigners for a damaged Victorian pier say funds to restore it have come just in time, after the structure was further damaged in recent bad weather.

The Grade II*-listed Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare was shut in 1994 and has been deteriorating for many years.

Last year, North Somerset Council succeeded in a court case against the owner, allowing it to continue with a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

The pier has been promised £8m by funders of the regeneration project.

The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust Damaged roof pierThe Birnbeck Regeneration Trust
Recent bad weather has further damaged the pier

Simon Talbot-Ponsonby, of Birnbeck Regeneration Trust, said: "What is left [of the pier] is really worth saving because it's beautiful."

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However, in a Facebook post, the trust said they had discovered the pier had also been vandalised recently.

"Sadly you expect to see deterioration, however, what is hard to comprehend is the level of mindless vandalism that has taken place since our last visit," they said.

"Nobody should or needs to be on or around the mainland, bridge or island and island buildings.

"Its a dangerous place to be. The condition of the buildings and roof structures is very poor, accidents waiting to happen."

The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust Damaged Birnbeck pierThe Birnbeck Regeneration Trust
The trust said vandals have also caused damage to the pier

North Somerset Council councillor Mark Canniford expects the promised funds to arrive within three to six months.

"The funders have come forward and we've had £3.5m already promised and another £4.5m been promised," he said.

"That will get the pier open and it will get access for the general public."

Future plans for the pier include a return for the RNLI and there are talks of the potential addition of a concert hall, a theatre or a new restaurant.

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