The announcement of Saltburn Pier’s temporary closure for essential safety work has kicked up a fuss from Teesside Live readers, with opinions dividing locals and holidaymakers alike. The Grade II* listed pier requires the replacement of over a hundred decking boards and the removal of old lighting and cabling from beneath its deck, amounting to a hefty £22,000 bill.
Set to begin next month, the maintenance will see a specialist rope access team in action. A report by the Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet highlighted the necessity of the £22,000 investment to prevent further decay of this historic structure and to reduce health and safety hazards for visitors.
While council workers will fit the new decking, an expert external team is required for the intricate work on the board fastenings beneath the pier. Boasting sustainable “marine grade” tropical hardwood materials, these replacement boards aim for longevity.
Teesside Live readers have been having discussions in our comments section with Cyclop suggesting: “Could Saltburn sell it to Redcar? Then build a complete new one from the old plans, it would be fantastic. People love to walk to the end of structure out to sea.”
Boilforce10 adds: “We can have wind turbines, in sea at Redcar, but we are stuck with that costly shelter, they call a pier, 98 percent voted against it. Blackpool, and loads of other places, have proper piers, Saltburn, has nothing just a load of boards to walk along.”
Jacktheslipper joked: “If only the Victorians hadn’t built it so close to the sea it wouldn’t suffer so badly from the harsh elements.”
Sharkskinned comments: “Well, I walk up and down at least once a week and the decking looks fine to me. I think somebody is diverting a problem away from another problem and giving this as an excuse to block it off. Don’t believe me? Pop down while you can.”
BunnyHugger22 disagrees: “Looking fine is a tad different to being structurally fine. You’d soon complain if one of the boards you thought ‘looked fine’ gave way as you walked on it and you fell several feet. So leave the actual experts to it as they know what they’re doing. You don’t.”
Redderzrizz comments: “There is plywood covering defective boards in a number of locations to keep the pier operational. On your weekly walk haven’t you seen these?”
Meanwhile, MrSmiyth adds: “The cost of building piers is massive. The further out to sea it goes the more battered by the sea storms it gets, yes its a shame its been shortened a couple of times, but it still goes out a decent way without the further problems of going longer.”
So what do you think the solution to Saltburn Pier’s issues? Join in the conversation HERE or below.