More damage found at Worthing Pier
The structure could be forced to close for longer than first expected
Worthing Pier could be forced to close for longer than first expected after further damage was discovered there.
The structure has been closed to the public since October 10th after inspectors discovered damage to one of its underside supports, caused by stormy weather.
There had been hopes that placing a temporary support there during the next spring tide in mid-November would allow the pier to partially re-open to the public.
Worthing Borough Council has now warned that any support would have to be more substantial.
Work is still expected to begin on schedule though.
A spokesperson for the council said:
"Our contractors were working hard to stabilise the piles near to where the pier suffered the storm damage that forced us to close it earlier this month.
"That damage meant we had to remove a broken pile to the south of the central pavilion, which has put extra stress on the other piles.
"Unfortunately, while we were examining the piles on either side of the one that we had to remove, we discovered that they had suffered damage which was hidden from view.
"We believe this was caused by the extra strain they are currently under from the weight of the pier.
"This means that the temporary support to the pier is likely to be more substantial than initially thought, but we are hopeful that they will allow for partial reopening of the pier."
The issue has forced two restaurants operating on the pier. Tern and Perch on the Pier, to temporarily close their doors.
Tern has now relocated to East Beach Café in Littlehampton and is offering limited dinner services to help mitigate the financial implications of the shock closure.
Perch has another site in Beach Parade, Worthing, and in Lancing and Eastbourne.
The issue also means that the Worthing Lions firework display will not go ahead as planned next Tuesday (November 5th).