New group aims to restore Bognor Pier

The first step towards the latest attempt to boost pier owner John Ayers's work on the historic landmark was taken at a mmeting of Bognor Regis Civic Society.

Some 40 members unanimously backed a proposal by society chairman Laurie Barnes that the regeneration of the pier should be seen as an integral part of the wider regeneration of the town.

Civic society deputy chairman Hugh Coster said: "We have to wake people up over the pier. The issue has gone to sleep over the years.

"We have two choices. We either sit back and watch the pier fall down or something is done about it, either to restore it or to demolish it and rebuild a new pier."

Five people signed up to form the group which will approach Mr Ayers to see if he is interested in their efforts.

If he is, and he has supported past efforts, the campaigners will meet with him to see what steps need to be taken to help ensure the pier's future.

The need for action was prompted by the closing of the seaward section of the pier on safety concerns, as the Observer reported.

A 100,000 renovation scheme for the pier's entrance is nearing completion.

Pier supporter Paul Wells, who is a member of Bognor and Arun councils, spoke about the pier at the meeting and outlined the need for a community effort for its survival as a seafront focal point.

He said: "We can't expect Mr Ayers to do everything on the pier. The local authorities have to play their part.

"We need to know how the pier fits in with St Modwen's regeneration plans for the town."

It made no sense to talk about grandiose schemes for landmark 30-storey buildings when the town's current seafront landmark needed major work carried out, he said.