A Bournemouth Borough Council scrutiny and review panel has recommended short term repairs and long term refurbishment to secure the future of Bournemouth Pier. Work will begin immediately to maintain the existing operating landing stages, while long-term refurbishment to the value of approximately £210,000 has also been agreed. Local boat operators should be able to use the Pier this forthcoming season.

Councillor Bronwen Littlewood, Chair of the Strengthening our Economy Scrutiny & Review Committee commented, ‘We realise how important boating services are and this is why we have made the decision to invest immediately to maintain the structure of the landing stages over the coming months.’

Contractors were chosen at the end of last year to help rejuvenate Bournemouth Pier, making the Pier Theatre the focal attraction. In addition, the Council is investing £2million in the maintenance of the structure which includes improving utility services, re-decking and revamping windbreaks.

Nearby Boscombe Pier has been closed for refurbishment since October last year as part of the £8million Boscombe seafront revamp, which will include the first artificial reef in Europe. Boscombe Pier is expected to reopen in 2007 with the reef becoming operational in 2008, providing surfers with 2.5m (8ft) waves.