'Chaos' on prom angers pier's owner

THE owner of Weston-super- Mare's Grand Pier has hit out at the disruption caused by the work being carried out to revamp the promenade.

Bathers eager to make the most of the glorious weather at the weekend were forced to climb over fences and barriers to get onto the beach at Weston.

And with the reopening of the pier just a matter of weeks away owner Kerry Michael is worried that his trade will be hit by the ongoing roadworks and refurbishment.

The Edwardian landmark was destroyed in a fire in the summer of 2008 and the £51 million scheme to rebuild is virtually complete.

The owners believe the new attraction will be a major boost for the town's economy but are worried about the ongoing work on the seafront.

Mr Michael said: "As a result of the warm weather people were trying to access the beach this weekend and it was chaos.

"It was obvious people were having great difficulty getting onto the beach. To get onto the beach they were jumping over gates and climbing over fences."

He added: "I fully appreciate the impact the closure of the pier has had on the town and I'm very excited indeed to be on the verge of re-opening what will now be a year-round attraction.

"We've worked very hard to get the pier open as quickly as possible. Our concern is that the public realm works will be the biggest deterrent for visitors this coming summer."

Mr Michael added the appointment of the town's MP John Penrose as Minister for Tourism could have positive implications for the town.

He added: "The pier is a kingpin in the economy of the town, from the coach driver who buys petrol to the day trippers who buy fish and chips on the Prom."

The Grand Pier expects more than four million visitors a year and Mr Michael expects spending in the town to increase five-fold when the attraction re-opens.

The Grand Pier employed less than 100 people before the fire and more than 200 new jobs have been created.

The £29 million redevelopment of the promenade, now in its third phase, includes strengthening the sea wall, construction of a secondary splash wall, the rebuilding of sections of road and the installation of new lighting and street furniture.

A North Somerset Council spokesman said: "Businesses nearby have been consulted on the works being carried out, and signs have been placed along the seafront to remind people that businesses are operating as usual. This is a £29m investment in Weston-super-Mare, which will bring a much-needed boost to the town's economy when completed, as well as protecting many seafront and town centre properties from future flooding. The work is continuing on track to be completed in time for the summer season."