Worthing Pier temporarily closed following storm damage
Bosses say it's the first time that it's happened on more than 25 years
Storm damage has forced Worthing Pier to temporarily close for repair work.
Worthing Borough Council bosses say engineers discovered damage to the underside of one of the structure's supports during a routine inspection, following strong coastal winds in recent days.
While the attraction has been forced to close temporarily during autumns and winters in previous years in order to not put people at risk, it is believed to be the first time in more than 25 years that it has shut because of damage.
Those with boats and paddleboards are being told not to go under the pier until work is carried out.
A Worthing Borough Council spokesperson said:
"The safety of the public is the council’s priority so on the advice of independent structural engineers it has brought in contractors to make sure the pier is safe and to carry out repairs.
"The repair can only take place at a spring low tide, when the tide goes far enough out for the work to be done safely.
"The intention is that the work will begin on the next spring tide, on 15th October. It could take several days to complete in suitable weather conditions.
"The council is grateful for everyone’s patience while the repairs take place, in particular the pier businesses and their staff. Although the closure is frustrating, keeping everyone safe has to come first."