I read with some interest Southend Council’s plans for the pier. Ambitious indeed but sensible, I wonder.

We already have the “design-winning” industrial unit that was erected some years ago providing refreshments but do we really need another with bar facilities to enhance the risk of intoxication and “person overboard”?

Surely what is needed are places and forms of entertainment undercover for children and adults alike of all ages to enjoy, like those on many piers I have visited over the years around the country.

Children’s rides, old type slot machines, hall of mirrors etc to name just a few.

That brings me to the warship proposal. While this seems an attractive proposition I do wonder, as a local former boat owner who spent many years sea fishing in the area, if the idea has been properly thought through.

I have visited the HMS Belfast in London on several occasions over the years with and without grandchildren and it is indeed a good attraction.

However, the Belfast is moored in the calm of the Thames where it is still a narrow river surrounded by tall buildings. Downriver at the pier it is roughly eight miles wide and completely exposed to the prevailing south westerly winds and gales. There is therefore the potential in adverse conditions to damage/strain etc an already old structure by being permanently moored alongside.

One would hope that lessons would have been learned from the incident some years ago when a small ship being used alongside for pier maintenance, due to tidal/weather conditions, smashed into it causing extensive damage – if that had been of warship proportions would we still have a pier?

MIKE HANSFORD

Blenheim Chase, Leigh

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