Worthing Pier: Work begins to repair storm damage

Worthing Pier was shut on October 10 after storm damage was discovered on one of the structure’s underside supports.

Structural engineers have been working on plans for a temporary support to be put in place during the next spring tide in mid-November, with hopes that this would allow for the pier to be reopened partially to the public.

Engineers under Worthing Pier  (Image: Adur and Worthing Councils) Worthing Borough Council had warned that further damage was uncovered during inspections and the support will have to be more substantial.

Work will now begin on the temporary measure.

A spokesman for Worthing Borough Council said: ” Our contractors have set up their new compound between the pier and the lido today, in advance of the next stage of the project next week.

“This work on the additional temporary support for the pier can only be carried out when the sea has gone out far enough for our contractors to work safely on the site which, weather permitting, should mean activity can begin by the middle of next week.”

The promenade will remain open (Image: Eddie Mitchell) The promenade will remain open but will be narrower than normal while the work is carried out.

Perch has another site in Beach Parade, Worthing, and in Lancing and Eastbourne.

The pier’s closure also saw the cancellation of the much-loved Worthing Lions fireworks display on November 5.

The spokesman added: “We will keep disruption to a minimum but there may be some noise during the work unfortunately.

“The pier remains closed, and no one should be accessing it until it has been made safe.”

The closure devastated Perch on the Pier and fellow restaurant Tern with both having to shut their doors suddenly.

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.