A £3m upgrade of Southport Pier would see the installation of 56 miles of decking boards at the 160-year-old Grade II-listed structure. Tony McDonough reports

£3m is to be spent on an upgrade of the Grade II-listed Southport Pier.

Built more than 160 years ago, the pier is constantly exposed to corrosive rain, wind and salt spray. This means it requires constant maintenance and the latest work will see the installation of 56 miles of decking boards.

Since its construction in 1860, Southport Pier has been the focal point of the town’s seaside heritage. Silent movie legend Charlie Chaplin has visited and it was used as a base for searchlights during World War II.

Sefton Council’s cabinet is being asked to provisionally approve up to £3m to replace the wooden decking along the pier’s 1.1km length. If agreed, the work could begin in late 2022. Once approved by cabinet full council approval for the works will be required.

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Repairs to the pier date back to as early as 1890. Over the years the structure has been battered by powerful Atlantic storms as well as fire and boat collisions. In 2018 the council carried out repairs and repainting of the steelwork to combat corrosion.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Skills, said: “Similar to many incredible open-air coastal structures, Southport Pier is affected by the constant powerful effects of nature.

“That plus the wear from the many thousands of people who enjoy walking along Britain’s second longest pier means large-scale works such as this are needed to preserve the structure.

“Southport’s iconic pier is by no means cheap to look after. However, it is cherished by all of us in Sefton and by the town’s many visitors. I don’t think anyone could argue against providing it with this vital care.”