Burnt pavilion to be dismantled

The fire, which destroyed the pavilion, is still being investigated

Demolition work is to start next week on the pavilion of Weston-super-Mare's fire-ravaged Grand Pier.

The building at the end of the pier was destroyed in the blaze on 28 July, but the main walkway escaped damage.

Debris will be removed in small pieces along the waist of the pier to minimise risk to the structure and environment, co-owner Kerry Michael said.

The work, by Bristol-based company TR Demolition, is expected to take about 10 weeks.

"Demolishing a structure that lies a quarter of a mile out to sea brings with it many logistical challenges," said Mr Michael.

"We have looked at various options, including floating in barges, having a crane on legs in the sea and running a train up and down the waist of the pier.

"We are satisfied that the option we have chosen will cause the least disruption and have minimum environmental impact.

"This is the first step in bringing the pier back to life and I am looking forward to moving on and re-building an even better pier."

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.