Strong winds took their toll at Clacton Pier over
the last couple of weekends with the outdoor rides closed for two days to ensure
the safety of customers and staff.
A decision was taken to close the rides on
Saturday (March 16) and it was the same story the previous Sunday (March 10).
On top of this the new porch and entrance
booth for the circus on the Jolly Roger Arena was blown away from its fixings
and was lodged precariously against the Pier’s railings.
Staff made sure that it was properly secured down,
and it will be returned to its normal position in due course.
Nigel Brown, Pier Communications Manager, said
that no chances are taken when the winds blow up in the way they have recently.
“Each ride has been properly assessed and when
it gusts to a certain level they are closed on health and safety grounds,” he
said.
“There have been various incidents around the
country in recent years and we all have to be very mindful and make sure that
those coming to enjoy our attractions do so in the knowledge they are going to
be safe.
“Equally we do not want to put our own staff
at risk in those types of conditions.”
Mr Brown added that fortunately the Helter
Skelter – which has just returned from its winter holidays in Edinburgh – has been
unaffected this time.
“In 2013 it was blown to pieces, quite literally,
by high winds and we were keeping our fingers crossed this time,” he said. “It
was repaired and made stronger six years ago and that has paid off.”
The new indoor attractions at the Pier, such
as Dockside Dodgems, the Discovery Bay soft Play and Skull Point adventure golf
have been very busy in the bad weather. It has been a similar situation in the
amusement arcade and bowling lanes.
