Significant progress is being made on work to lay the foundations for
improvements to the outside Fun Fair at Clacton Pier.
The team of staff have completely removed the 1930s Queen Mary building
which has opened up the back ride deck.
The Go Karts have been totally dismantled and will be refurbished and rebuilt
in a more central location to make way for the new White Water Log Flume.
The track, chute and trough of the log flume have been revamped by a
company in Thorpe-le-Soken and parts are arriving back at the pier on a regular
basis.
A scheme is also being carried out to upgrade the structure of parts of
the outside area to provide the support needed for heavier rides and sustain
the landmark into the future.
Work is taking place seven days a week and is on schedule with a number
of rides to open for February half term.
Pier Director Billy Ball said that he is pleased with what has been
achieved so far.
“The weather has been relatively kind up to now, which means we have
been able to get on with the job as planned,” he said.
“People will start to see a real change in the skyline of the Pier in
the New Year as we make some fundamental changes this winter.
“We are still awaiting confirmation of the financial approval to make
all the improvements we would like to carry out and are keeping our fingers
crossed that will come through soon.
“Just how far we can go very much depends on the money being available
and at the moment we have to ensure the preparations are in place so that we
will be ready if we get the go ahead.”
At the same time the rides have been undergoing their annual inspection
and maintenance programme.
The end of the Pier has been closed off to all except fishermen for the
past couple of weekends but is expected to be open again this weekend.
Mr Ball added that in the indoor section of the attraction, the
Christmas Village, Breakfast with Santa and Christmas Cracker deals continue to
attract steady crowds and help to boost winter revenue.
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