Number
One North Sea has now become the number one pier in the country!
Clacton
Pier – which possesses the unusual and special address – was awarded the
accolade by members of the National Piers Society (NPS).
And
NPS Chairman Tim Wardley went along to do the honours at a special ceremony in
front of the landmark attraction.
Clacton
beat off stiff competition from 60 other piers to pick up the award, having
come runner-up last year.
Director
and co-owner Billy Ball said it was a very proud moment for him and his
brother, Elliot, who have owned the pier for the past 11 years.
“Along
with our loyal staff, contractors and suppliers we have done our best to transform
the attraction over the past decade,” he said.
“We
have ploughed in significant investment to turn around the run-down site we
took over in 2009.
“It
has been a lot of hard work for all those involved; long hours and no little
blood, sweat and tears along the way.
“To
pick up the Pier of the Year Award 2020 is a true honour and is recognition
from others for all those efforts and we are both grateful and delighted. It is
real cause for celebration for both the pier and the town.”
Mr
Ball said it had been a tough first half of the year due to the collapse of a
small section of the landmark plus the Coronavirus pandemic which continues to
restrict the full opening of the whole business.
“The
award brings a bright ray of sunshine and will spur us on to greater things as
we get back to opening up all the various sections of the attraction,” he
added.
Mr
Wardley said it was his great pleasure to present Clacton Pier with the coveted
‘ Pier of the Year’ award.
“How
we wished we could have awarded all 61 piers the accolade given the torrid time
the tourist sector had been experiencing during the Covid crisis, but there can
only be one title holder and Clacton is a most worthy winner,” he added.
“If
you have not visited Clacton Pier within the last couple of years then you have
never seen the pier at its best.
“The
transformation by owners Billy and Elliot Ball, investing heavily to create the
largest all-weather tourist attraction on a pier in Europe is amazing, creating
almost six acres of family- oriented fun with something for everyone.
“The
brothers have put Clacton firmly back on the map as a tourist destination.
Congratulations Clacton Pier!”
Ends
