PIER WE GO!

A DATE has been set for the long-awaited work to begin on Southport Pier after it was closed due to safety concerns three years ago.

- By BEN HASLAM

A winter's day on Southport Pier in 2022

The historic landmark shut on the advice of structural engineers after a period of extreme weather.

The closure hit the town's leisure and tourism business, with many people keen to see it reopen as soon as possible.

However, due to the costs of the refurbishment, any possible reopening had been placed in limbo.

In August, a fire caused damage to a section of the structure, following an apparent electrical fault.

The fire came just two months after Chancellor Rachel Reeves said money would be found to help with the restoration.

Ms Reeves confirmed last month that as much as £20m will be made available once the business case is approved, with HM Treasury explaining the project is already at an advanced stage.

Sefton Council has now said work is expected to begin in early 2026, with the project to take place across two phases.

The local authority's cabinet will consider a report next week, which states the work will take around 14 months to complete.