Work could soon begin on repairing Southport Pier after it was shut over safety concerns.
Sefton Council was forced to take the decision to shut the famous Merseyside attraction after extreme weather caused "significant and unavoidable" damage to the decking boards of the pier. A number of inspections were carried out over a two-day period in December which led to the decision to close the tourist attraction.
Last year it was confirmed £3m had been earmarked to replace more than 53 miles of decking along the 160-year-old pier. Temporary metal fences have since been placed in front of entrances to stop people from walking along the unsafe pier.
READ MORE: Met Office update as 'Beast from the East' could bring more snow
The council has now released an update, with a reopening date yet to be announced. A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: "Expert structural engineers have been appointed by the council to carry out the extensive work required to ensure Southport Pier can be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
"The engineers’ work involves carrying out an extensive survey of the overall 3,600ft structure starting with a detailed examination of the pier's decking and timber supports. After that, they will be moving on to assess its steelwork. The council expects to receive initial results from the timber survey in the coming weeks and will be providing further updates in due course.
"In the meantime, we would like to reiterate our thanks to all stakeholders and visitors for their patience and support in ensuring people’s safety."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
Coca Cola warning to anyone who buys any of its products
15 things you could do in 70s Liverpool that you can't do now
Live Nicola Bulley updates as police hold press conference
John Lewis shoppers 'fallen in love' with £47 dress that 'ticks all the boxes'
