COMPANIES have already stepped forward to express interest in running Southend Pier as bosses look for ways to make it more exciting for visitors.

Southend Council, which is currently facing a £14million deficit, has suggested a private company could take over the running of pier to help with the more than £1million a year that it costs to run.

Such a deal would both bring in rental revenue and provide better leisure facilities on the landmark pier.

Daniel Nelson, Tory councillor responsible for economic growth and investment, said: “There have already been a number of private companies that have approached the council to show interest.

“There will be a tender process to ensure it’s not going to be inappropriately used because we have to bear in mind it is a listed structure so any proposals would have to be in line with that.

“Also it needs to value to the taxpayer. We can’t have a bad deal. We need to learn lessons from the Kursaal experience.”

Mr Nelson added bids could be sought within six months.

The council would remain responsible for the maintenance of the pier.

Essex businessman, James Sinclair, owner of Marsh Farm, Rossi Ice Cream Company and Partyman soft play centres, recently backed Adventure Island owner Philip Miller to take over the pier. Mr Miller has declined to say whether he would consider it.

Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for arts, culture, heritage and leisure said all options were being looked at. He said: “A whole list of things has been created on ways of making the pier more successful in terms of earning money rather than breaking even or making a loss.

“A couple of people who run piers across the UK have come forward but it’s early days yet. We want to see what we can do ourselves and where we can get professional support to do things even better.

“We want to make sure the end of the pier, when you get off the train, is much more exciting with more things to do than the moment.”

Mr Jarvis added: “We spend £1.25million on it every year just maintaining it. It’s a very costly thing to maintain so it needs to make that £1.25million to cover the maintenance costs.”