Rotten Boardwalk: Boscombe Pier Closed

6.12.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 31st Oct 2005

Boscombe Pier closed today, Monday 31st October, for health and safety reasons.

In many places the boardwalk wood is rotten, as are a number of the joists. Some barriers are also loose, fixed to joists that need to be replaced.

Redevelopment delayed

Originally, the pier would have closed soon for refurbishment. Cabinet Member Councillor Rob Copeland explains, 'Work was due to start this month on the redevelopment of Boscombe seafront. This would have addressed the issues which have caused the closure.'

'Without the delays around the planning application, the pier would have closed for the necessary work over this winter.

'The delays have put us back a year and so it will be closed throughout next summer. This is an immense shame, but we have to put the safety of people first.

'The timetable has been adjusted, meaning the pier will re-open in spring 2007, as long as there are no further obstacles.'