7th December 2006
Article reproduced with kind permission of the Echo newspaper.

The text appearing here is an exact duplicate of that which appeared in the article,
and is reproduced for ease of reading.

ECHO readers are backing Thorpe Bay businessman Tony Garner's plans to revitalise Southend's pier.   Messages sent to our website have been urging the council to do something about the future of the pleasure pier.  They have been calling on the authority to give Mr Garner a chance to develop the attraction.  Paul Pryde said: "Here is a man with a vision and presumably the money to do it, while the council lets the pier just deteriorate.  For goodness sake, bite his hand off."

Marle said: "What is wrong with Southend  Council?  The pier is going to wrack and ruin.  Give it to someone who has the inclination to do something with it.  This man has shown his commitment to the town.  Let's give him the chance".  Others described the pier as "just a long lifeboat station" and urged the council to do something.

Liam Abrahams said: "From what I have read, this man has done a lot of homework.  Don't forget the Swine ride got planning permission in the end so engineers must reckon its OK for a project like this.  I too believe Southend Council is dragging its heels.  Yet another consultation.  What about the 20-odd in the past?  Surely, Southend  Council has to do something with it".

Southend  Council's cabinet is due to debate the pier at its meeting on January 7.  This follows discussions by the pier and foreshore working party which has been asked to work up possible options for the future of the pier.  Architect Bernard Gooding who is a consultant on Mr  Garner's plan, said he felt it was good news there had been a positive response to the proposals from Echo readers.  He added: "What we are looking for is a dialogue with the council.  If they don't like what we are putting forward, then tell us what they would like and we will try and do it".

Article written by Geoff Percival, Political Reporter