Marine licence granted

by Nigel Brown Nov 16 2020 2     4,202
Share Tweet Pin it Google Plus

November 16, 2020

 

Clacton Pier has been given a vital all-clear to reconstruct part of its ride deck damaged earlier this year.

A small section on the west side of the landmark disappeared into the sea following storms in February.

An application was submitted to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) in August and the Government body has now granted a licence for the piling works to be carried out.

Bosses at the Pier are just waiting for its insurers, Aviva, to settle the claim made as a result of the damage.

The attraction has been working with HR Wallingford near Oxford, world renowned specialist research and consultancy experts on water related projects, to prove its case for payment to be made.

Pier director Billy Ball said it has been a frustrating wait all round but is confident that the claim can soon be settled.

“Although the money has not yet come in from Aviva, we decided to take action and begin the formal steps needed to begin the reconstruction,” he said.

“We are working with our consultants to come up with a design solution and this has progressed significantly. And as of Friday, we have the marine licence in place which was an integral part of the process.

“The protracted discussions with our insurers continue but we are hopeful that once we provide them with the evidence from the experts at HR Wallingford, the talks should be successful.

“Those experts have been able to demonstrate the scientific rationale behind the events in February.”

Mr Ball added that all the paperwork for the construction design management is also being arranged.

He thanked Clacton MP Giles Watling for his efforts to keep the pressure up on the MMO.

“It is all about getting all our ducks in a line and Giles has been a great help in securing the marine licence as quickly as possible for us,” added Mr Ball.

Mr Watling said he understood how incredibly frustrating it is when Government departments take so much time assimilating before decision. 

“It would be a very positive step if organisations like the MMO could streamline their decision making process, especially in these difficult times when commercial operations need all the help they can get,” he added.

The site where the damage occurred had been earmarked for a new headline attraction, the Looping Star Roller Coaster.

It is expected that the ride will still be installed and operational for the main 2021 season.

Ends

Photo by Kevin Jay








Related Stories

On The Pier

Winter work goes on

3 years ago 4
On The Pier

Jobs to go

3 years ago 2
On The Pier

Scare time at Pier

3 years ago 2

Leave a comment