Clacton has narrowly missed out on being named
Pier of the Year for 2019.
The iconic landmark was chosen as the runner-up
in the awards which are organised by the National Piers Society and voted for
by its members.
The title went to Worthing – a previous winner
in 2006 – and Clevedon was placed third best.
There are 61 surviving piers around the
country out of a total of just over 100 and 29 of these received at least one vote
in the awards.
Clacton Pier Director Billy Ball said that the
pier was disappointed not to win but delighted to have come second, its highest
ever standing.
“First and foremost, we would like to
congratulate Worthing on their success which is well deserved,” he said.
“All pier owners are only too well aware how
much money and hard work it takes to simply maintain these historic structures,
let alone improve and enhance them for future generations to enjoy.
“We have carried out a major new development over
the past 18 months which makes us a truly 52-week a year sustainable business
providing valuable employment in the community.
“We have more plans in the pipeline and we
certainly feel our efforts have been recognised by being named as runner-up. It
would have been nice to have won the title – maybe it will be us next year for
the first time!”
Mr Ball added there are 13 piers in East
Anglia and also praised Felixstowe Pier which he felt would have been a worthy
winner.
The National Pier Society is holding its 36th
annual general meeting in Clacton for the first time from June 7-9.
The weekend will be based around the town’s Princes
Theatre and the weekend’s events include visits to Clacton, Walton and Harwich
piers.
