Low tides reveal full extent of problems facing Berwick Pier
Pier wall repairs viewable at low tide
FRESH concerns have been raised about the long-term health of Berwick Pier after low tides revealed the full extent of the problems affecting the structure.
A £2 million repair project which closed the pier for 18 months was completed just four months ago but winter gales and high tides have already ripped up part of the concrete walkway between Crabwater Corner and the lighthouse.
Now, concerns are focused on the south side of the breakwater. Pictures sent in by Richard Ormston from Newfields in Berwick appear to show missing and damaged stonework and protruding and displaced blocks.
Northumberland County Council carried out an initial assessment of the pier in early December but had already arranged for a further inspection after the recent storm damage was raised by Councillor Brian Douglas. If work is required, it would be carried out during the spring and summer.
A council spokesperson said: “Through the recent project there has been over £2 million spent on restoring the integrity of this 200 year old structure.
“It was not possible to repair every piece of stonework but the worst damaged areas were prioritised and addressed. We will continue to monitor the condition of the pier.”
Main contractors BAM Nuttall also carried out repairs to parts of the pier between the toe and the bedrock which had been undermined due to constant wave action and exposure to the wind and rain.
The cost of the scheme was originally estimated at £900,000 but the extent of the work, along with the extra time it took, saw the costs more than double.
The pier, a Grade II listed structure, was built between 1810 and 1821 to protect the entrance to the River Tweed.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
