Owners of Central Pier say they’re on top of repairs after visitor spots damage

The owners of Blackpool’s iconic Central Pier say ongoing repairs are under control after a visitor raised concerns over a snapped rusty crossbeam.

Darren Noakes said he was passing underneath the pier when he spotted that one of the beams was broken and he decided to raise the issue and the general appearance of the structure.

He contacted Blackpool Council, which works closely with the current owners of all three piers, Blackpool Pier Company and told them he was worried about what he’d seen.

In August 2024 years  a woman in her 50s was taken to hospital after she fell through a section of Cenral Pier. She suffered serious injuries – including a smashed elbow – and was lucky to survive,

An investigation followed and the council made a number of recommendations to owners, with the pier company putting new measures in place after the incident, but no legal action was taken.

This week Blackpool Pier Company said repars were always ongoing, including the damage identified by Mr Noakes, and said the pier was designed to absorb certain amount loss and damage.

Mr Noakes said:”I was a visitor to Blackpool and was walking under the central pier when I noticed a cross beam totally rusted through and snapped.

“I’m sure this is not meant to be like this and looking all around that area it all looks like it’s about to snap. I emailed Blackpool Council to report it but so far nothing back from them. I sent a photo too.”

A spokesman for the Blackpool Pier Company said: “Replacing steel work under the piers is an ongoing requirement and part of our responsibilities.

“Our contractors have recently been on sight at both South and Central Piers to rectify damage that has been caused over the recent storms and high tides, however this item was noted on their recent visit.

“The piers are built and engineered to absorb a certain amount of loss and damage.”

“We will organise for any loose or broken steel to be removed and replaced as soon as possible.”