What's going on down at Southend Pier?

That's the question being asked by confused visitors to the landmark this week who found the new entrance closed days after it was officially "opened" during the airshow weekend.

However, council foreshore officers explained it was closed to allow contractors to work adding the finishing touches on weekdays.

Marjory Hall, Southend pier and foreshore manager, said: "The pier entrance was closed after the airshow weekend to allow workmen to continue with essential glazing work.

"It would be most impracticable and dangerous to allow the public into the new entrance when contractors are working overhead on large panes of glass.

"The entrance will be open again this weekend. We anticipate that the work will be completed within the next couple of weekends."

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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