Petition to rebuild historic pier

A website has been set up for people to air their views

A petition has been launched to persuade a Kent council to invest in major rebuilding of an historic pier.

Campaigners hope Canterbury City Council can find the money to rebuild Herne Bay Pier, split in two since part of it collapsed into the sea in 1978.

Herne Bay Pier Pressure Group is running a petition online, and on paper in shops and pubs.

A council spokesman said: "The council is involved in a major regeneration plan, of which the pier is one aspect."

He added: "If we are going to do something with the pier, we've got to do something about regenerating the whole town."

The pier opened in 1832 and by 1896 stretched 3,787ft (1147m) out from Herne Bay.

Campaigner Peter Revell said the most recent council estimate had put the rebuild cost at about £12m, but that the exact amount would have to be "determined by the experts".