Major restoration works on Southport Pier are continuing at pace, with British bought steel replacement works next in line.

Sefton Council’s main contractor AE Yates is making significant progress across the historic structure with dismantling works being the most recent focus of their efforts.

Twenty-seven lighting arches have now been safely disconnected and removed, while the kiosk and halfway-house have also been taken down. A third kiosk is in the process of being dismantled.

In order to ensure contractor safety access scaffolding has been erected across the landward section of the pier to allow for the timber decking and to be removed. Existing handrails, tramlines and mechanical and electrical services have also been taken away ready for the next stage of the restoration.

Elsewhere on the site an access haul road and two large crane pads have been created in preparation for the installation of new British bought steel.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is excellent progress and it represents an important step forward in the restoration of Southport Pier.

“Like all building projects of any scale, careful preparation needed to be undertaken to make way for new materials to be installed.

“The start of steel replacement work later this month will be a particularly significant milestone. I want to thank everyone working on this complex project for the progress they have made so far.”

Dale Cunniffe, Project Manager at AE Yates, said: “A great deal has been achieved on site over recent weeks, including the removal of decking, structural elements and services, as well as the creation of the specialist access and crane areas needed for the next phase.

“These enabling works are essential to delivering the restoration safely and effectively. We are pleased with the progress made and are now preparing to begin replacing steelwork on the landward section of the pier.”

You can hear a more detailed interview with AE Yates on Episode 3 of Sefton Council’s brand new ‘MySefton News Podcast.’

Sefton Council will continue to provide regular updates as the restoration programme progresses.