Final preparations are being made for the full reopening of Clacton Pier.
All indoor facilities at the seaside attraction will return on Monday
May 17 for the first time in five months following lockdown restrictions.
It will include Discovery Bay soft play area, Skull Point adventure
golf, the amusement arcades, dodgems, seaquarium and cafes and restaurants.
Pier director Billy Ball said that while outdoor rides have been operating
since mid-April it will be a relief to see the rest of the attraction opening
up again.
“This is the date we have been longing for and it will mean that we
almost return to business as usual – but with the existing Covid guidelines in
place,” he said.
“A great deal of hard work has been taking place behind the scenes to
get us ready for this point and it will be good to welcome back staff who work
in our indoor areas for the first time since before Christmas.
“It has been brilliant to have families here for almost a month now
outdoors, but it is so important to have all the attractions running again.
“We have carried out the cleaning and hygiene measures required and will
continue to do so. There will also be social distancing measures in place and
masks will need to be worn where necessary.”
Mr Ball said he was pleased for all those involved in the hospitality
and leisure sector that they can start to trade properly again.
“Let’s hope there are no setbacks, and we can all start to enjoy a fun
summer in as a normal a business environment as possible,” he added.
“Both Clacton and the Pier are 150 years old this year and we want to
celebrate that with residents and visitors alike and make it a special time.”
The new Looping Star roller coaster structure has taken shape over the
past week and it is expected to have everything in place and ready to go for
the school summer holidays.
“The strong winds recently have not helped but we have ploughed on with
the installation and it is going well,” said Mr Ball.
“The Looping Star has caused plenty of excitement already and people are
looking forward to going on this new thrill ride.”
Ends
Photo by Kevin Jay
