'Just a new challenge' RNLI blow not the end of pier project, leader says

THE leader of North Somerset Council has insisted that the RNLI pulling out of the restoration of Birnbeck Pier is “not the end” of the project.

- John WIMPERIS Local democracy reporter [e-mail]

The lifeboat charity had been funding major parts of the project in order to return its Weston-super-Mare lifeboat station to Birnbeck Island - but pulled out at the end of June over viability concerns.

The loss of North Somerset Council’s main partner in the project has thrown the future of Birnbeck Pier into doubt once again.

Council leader Mike Bell told councillors the RNLI decision was “disappointing and frustrating for everyone involved.” He said: “The RNLI have been an important partner and we did not expect this decision so late in the process. But I just want to reassure everyone that this is not the end of the Birnbeck project - it is just a new challenge for us to overcome.”

Mr Bell was speaking at a council meeting where councillors had been due to vote on awarding the contract for restoring the bridge to JT Mackley & Co Ltd - but instead the report had to be withdrawn at the meeting after the RNLI pulled out.