Pier trust confirms donation plaques have been saved

Donation plaques previously attached to Southport Pier have been saved, and will be reinstalled once refurbishment has been completed, the head of the Southport Pier Trust has confirmed.

Refurbishment works on Southport Pier had necessitated the removal of the plaques, that had been donated by patrons in an effort to save the Pier.

Peter Hampson, Chairman of Southport Pier Trust, said: “We are pleased to confirm that all 2000 plus plaques on Southport Pier have been carefully removed and placed into secure storage, awaiting their replacement at a later date on a fully refurbished pier”.

“This precautionary measure removes any potential for accidental loss or damage to the plaques while the pier remains closed to the public and the decking and structure undergoes intrusive assessment, including the complete removal of a number of large sections of decking. It is hoped a full programme of refurbishment works will take place in due course.

“Securing all the plaques now was the best option, rather than leaving it to chance that all the plaques could and would be safely recovered over a period of time potentially by a number of different contractors”.

“We would like to thank the current contractors, A E Yates who have produced a detailed condition report and record of the location and layout of all the plaques before diligently removing and securing them for the Trust. This work has been undertaken as part of their local social value programme, at no cost to either the charitable Trust or the Council. The record will be invaluable as an essential starting point for our future discussions and planning for the replacement of the plaques on the structure once fully repaired”.

“The plaques were originally installed in the early 2000s to mark charitable donations made by over 2000 members of the public. The funds raised were used to pay for the manufacture and laying of the plaques themselves, and as match funding for a number projects not covered by the original Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.” The number of donations made was thought to be instrumental in demonstrating the level of public support for the proposed rebuild and thus, in helping to secure the original HLF grant to undertake it”.

“The Trust remain determined to see that the plaques are appropriately displayed, at the earliest possible opportunity, on a fully refurbished and reopened pier. The local volunteer Trustees and the Trust as a body, continue to work with Sefton Council to progress this shared ambition”