URGENT UPDATE: Deal Pier in Kent faces indefinite closure of its lower deck following severe storm damage. The closure was enforced immediately after substantial waves battered the structure on Christmas Eve, leading to significant concerns about safety and structural integrity.
Access to the lower deck has been halted until a full assessment and necessary repairs are completed, with no timeline currently available for reopening. Dramatic images captured by Deal resident Dave Freewalker, who has fond memories of fishing on the pier, showcase the extent of the destruction. “I’m keeping an eye on the weather,” Freewalker stated. “If the wind increases, then it may cause more damage.”
Officials from the Dover District Council (DDC) confirmed the closure was due to damage to the railings and stated, “DDC is carrying out a full assessment to review what repair works are needed.” They emphasized that the lower deck will only reopen once it is deemed safe.
Fortunately, the remainder of the pier remains open for public use. Just 15 months ago, the pier underwent a major renovation with a £140,000 investment focused on enhancing its structural integrity. This work included repairs to the concrete beams and steps leading to the lower deck, following earlier assessments that highlighted deterioration.
The current Deal Pier, extending 1,026 ft (313 metres), is the third iteration since its original construction in 1838. The first pier succumbed to decay by 1857, while the second was destroyed in 1940 when a ship accidentally crashed into it. The existing structure was inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh in November 1957 and has been featured in various media, including the ITV crime drama “Liar” in 2017.
Piers like Deal Pier require ongoing maintenance due to their exposure to harsh coastal weather and the relentless force of the sea. DDC has assured the public that while the lower section is temporarily closed, other repair works from the previous investment have not been adversely affected by the latest storm.
As the community braces for potential further weather impacts, local residents and visitors are urged to stay updated on developments regarding the pier’s status. The local council’s assessment will determine the next steps, making it crucial for the public to remain informed on when the lower deck will return to operation.
