Temporary bridge for damaged pier

The buildings on the pier have collapsed into the sea Enlarge Image

Engineers are building a temporary bridge to link the gutted part of Southend Pier to the undamaged end.

It will allow access to the New Pier Head for lifeboat crews and help investigations into the cause of Sunday's fire, described as an inferno.

There are also plans to create a viewing area to allow the public to see the damage and watch repair work.

Civic authorities have said that the damaged part of the world's longest pleasure pier would be rebuilt.

A Southend Borough Council spokesman said the temporary bridge would also allow its surveyors to assess the full extent of the damage.

Relocation for traders

It is not yet been established how much the repairs will cost - though the bill is expected to run into millions - or how long the work will take.

Council officers will meet pier traders next week to discuss how it can help them with relocation.

Chief executive and town clerk Rob Tinlin said the council was committed to seeing the pier reopen to the public.

"Plans are already being considered to ensure this happens. I would ask that residents and visitors support us during this period, as total restoration works will take some time."

A pub, a railway station and other buildings were destroyed in the fire.

Eyewitnesses said flames leapt 30 to 40ft in the air as the inferno engulfed up to 130ft of the pier, and the blaze could be seen for miles.

About 75 fire fighters worked through the night to control the blaze.

At 1.34 miles (2.16km), Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It opened in 1889, with extensions added in 1898, 1908 and 1929.

The new RNLI-funded lifeboat station - which was not damaged in Sunday's fire - was completed in August 2001.