Damaged pier to open for visitors

Visitors will be able to view restoration work on Southend Pier

Part of Southend Pier is to reopen to visitors early next month, after it was partially destroyed by a huge fire.

A temporary station and deck will be set up in an undamaged section of the landmark to allow viewing of future restoration work.

An access route for lifeboat crews and security staff is already provided, but it is not open to the public.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze on the pier, which took place on 9 October, is continuing.

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.