Worthing fireworks cancelled due to closure of unsafe pier

The fifth November Worthing Lions fireworks display will not be able to be held on Worthing Pier this year.

Worthing Borough Council's engineers recently identified that a pier support had suffered storm damage.

Today the council has told the Lions the pier might not be fixed in time for the fireworks on November 5.

Over the last few days, the council’s contractors have been working to stabilise the piles near to where the pier suffered storm damage.

READ MORE: Pier closes suddenly over safety fears

They discovered that more supports had also suffered damage. They believe this has been caused by the extra strain they are currently under from the weight of the pier.

The council said it would still be a risk to the public if people were allowed onto the pier - even in small numbers - until the structure has been stabilised with extra supports.

The damage to the pier (Image: Worthing Borough Council)

Council leader Sophie Cox said: “We know how disappointing this will be both for the Lions and the many thousands of people across the borough who come out to enjoy the fireworks each year, but keeping people safe must come first.

“We’ve worked closely with the Lions to try to find an alternative location but this is such a huge event and we’ve had so little time that it has been impossible.

“Our teams are continuing to work hard with our contractors to get the pier reopened as soon as it is possible to be sure anyone going on it will be safe.”

The council hopes to continue working on the pier in the next tidal window, which is due from November 14. The pier will remain closed until further notice.

Restaurants Tern and Perch on the Pier have also been impacted by the pier’s closure, which forced them to also temporarily shut their doors.

Tern has now relocated to East Beach Café in Littlehampton and is offering limited dinner services to help mitigate the financial implications of the shock closure.

READ MORE: Pier to be closed for at least a month due to delay

Founder and head chef at Tern Johnny Stanford said: “We have been stunned by East Beach Café’s support since the announcement of the pier damage but with the news of the extended closure, we need more help from the Sussex community to ensure the future of our business.

“The bare bones is that we need people to book to dine with us at the East Beach Café, and support a family business and its staff whose livelihoods could be irreparably damaged by a situation completely out of our control.”

Meanwhile, Perch on the Pier is looking to open up spots at their two other restaurants to honour reservations and has been forced to take difficult measures, such as issuing unpaid leave and implementing a furlough scheme.