Historic pier reopens to public

Gravesend's cast iron pier dates from 1834 and was restored in 2006

The world's oldest surviving cast iron pier is to reopen after a business failure closed it for about six months.

Grade II listed Gravesend Town Pier, in Kent, was shut earlier this year when the firm which ran its restaurant went into administration.

Gravesham Borough Council said Culinary Solutions UK signed a lease and would reopen the venue on 7 November.

The pier was first opened in 1834 and underwent a major restoration project in 2006.

Council leader Mike Snelling said: "It is great news that the public will once again have access to this historic pier which is so important to our regeneration in the heritage quarter and the High Street.

"We are sure that in the new owners we have found a tenant committed to high standards of excellence."