2:32pm Friday 20th November 2009
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to restore tradition and build a pier on Redcar seafront.
Historically, the town boasted two stretching out into the North Sea, but plans to redevelop the area have come up with an unusual alternative.
In July, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council announced a £30m scheme to create the first 80ft vertical, corkscrew-shaped pier on this stretch of coast.
The town’s sea defences will also be overhauled in the transformation.
But the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the town is urging residents to back his call for a more traditional, horizontal pier.
Ian Swales said: “It’s clear from talking to people around the town that the majority would like to have a proper pier again. Historically, there were two piers, one at Coatham and one at Redcar.
“A new pier would be a fantastic asset that would bring anglers and many other visitors to the town.
“The report on the council’s Love it, Hate it seafront consultation with residents includes the statement ‘many people suggested a breakwater or pier’.
“We know there would be limitations on siting, but there are possible locations close to the Regent cinema.”
Coun Chris Abbott, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the borough council, backs the idea, as do ward councillors Irene Curr and Josie Crawford.
Coun Abbott said: “We need a whole series of attractions to bring people to the town and a pier, costing around £3m, would be an exciting addition.”
The council’s plans aim to create a vibrant promenade to attract visitors, with a network of public spaces incorporating water cascades, sunshine traps, performance space and sheltered seating from which to view the town’s seascape.
The proposals have come from an international design competition organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
The winning design team is led by Harrogate-based landscape architects Smeeden Foreman, working with Seven Architecture, Arup and Davis Langdon.
The Environment Agency hopes to secure £25m towards the construction of the sea defences, to protect the town from flooding and erosion.
People can sign the petition for the horizontal pier online or download paper copies to gather signatures at campaigns.libdems.org.uk/RedcarPier.
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