One of Weston-super-Mare’s most popular tourist attractions – The Grand Pier – has announced it is to re-open.
Bosses of the landmark, which welcomes thousands of visitors each year, say they plan to re-open to the public on July 4 following the easement of the Government lockdown.
The pier, which has more than 500 amusements and 12 main rides as well as cafes and restaurants, is owned by brother and sister business duo Kerry and Michelle Michael.
The opening was announced on the pier’s Facebook page today (Wednesday, June 24).
The pier, which also hosts weddings and other large events, has been closed since the start of the Government lockdown at the end of March.
A spokesman for the Grand Pier said: “The guidelines have only just been issued and we are assessing what measures will need to be put in place over the next few days to ensure the pier can re-open safely.
“People will know what the rules are in advance and the measures taken will be published on the pier’s website.”
A post on the attraction’s Facebook page, along with the hashtag #wishyouwerepier, told visitors: "Following yesterday’s Government announcement, we finally have some exciting news.
"We plan to reopen the pier on Saturday, July 4, and we cannot wait to see you all again.
"Of course, we’ll be putting lots of measures in place to ensure your safety.
"Full details of exactly what you can expect during your visit will be available very soon.”
North Somerset Council has been writing to more than 1,200 hospitality businesses across North Somerset in the past week to prepare them for re-opening in early July.
The authority has issued hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants, cafes and health clubs with advice and information on what they need to be doing in order to re-open safely.
Clevedon Pier - the UK's only Grade I listed pier - is due to re-open to the public on Thursday, June 25.
A series of measures including a traffic light system for entry and a limit to the number of people on the landmark at any one time have been introduced.
The Government lock down has had a huge impact on leisure and hospitality industry.
North Somerset welcomes seven million visitors each year, pumping nearly £400 million into the local economy.
