No 1 in the country

by Nigel Brown Jul 13 2020 2     1,986
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July 13, 2020

 

Number One North Sea has now become the number one pier in the country!

Clacton Pier – which possesses the unusual and special address – was awarded the accolade by members of the National Piers Society (NPS).

And NPS Chairman Tim Wardley went along to do the honours at a special ceremony in front of the landmark attraction.

Clacton beat off stiff competition from 60 other piers to pick up the award, having come runner-up last year.

Director and co-owner Billy Ball said it was a very proud moment for him and his brother, Elliot, who have owned the pier for the past 11 years.

“Along with our loyal staff, contractors and suppliers we have done our best to transform the attraction over the past decade,” he said.

“We have ploughed in significant investment to turn around the run-down site we took over in 2009.

“It has been a lot of hard work for all those involved; long hours and no little blood, sweat and tears along the way.

“To pick up the Pier of the Year Award 2020 is a true honour and is recognition from others for all those efforts and we are both grateful and delighted. It is real cause for celebration for both the pier and the town.”

Mr Ball said it had been a tough first half of the year due to the collapse of a small section of the landmark plus the Coronavirus pandemic which continues to restrict the full opening of the whole business.

“The award brings a bright ray of sunshine and will spur us on to greater things as we get back to opening up all the various sections of the attraction,” he added.

Mr Wardley said it was his great pleasure to present Clacton Pier with the coveted ' Pier of the Year' award.

“How we wished we could have awarded all 61 piers the accolade given the torrid time the tourist sector had been experiencing during the Covid crisis, but there can only be one title holder and Clacton is a most worthy winner,” he added.

“If you have not visited Clacton Pier within the last couple of years then you have never seen the pier at its best.

“The transformation by owners Billy and Elliot Ball, investing heavily to create the largest all-weather tourist attraction on a pier in Europe is amazing, creating almost six acres of family- oriented fun with something for everyone.

“The brothers have put Clacton firmly back on the map as a tourist destination. Congratulations Clacton Pier!”

 

 

Ends

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