North Somerset Council has just 15 days left to secure the future of Birnbeck Pier and to hold on to already committed external funding in a stark warning issued by leader of North Somerset Council; Cllr Mike Bell.

The project has been put at risk after the RNLI pulled out of financially supporting the project even though all other external funders were happy with its viability and long term success.

Cllr Mike Bell said; “This month is a key one for the Birnbeck Pier project. After the RNLI HQ decided to step back and withdraw their funding contribution earlier in the summer, the project faces a budget gap that threatens its future.

With strong backing from Weston's MP Dan Aldridge, we are pushing hard to bring in new external funding so we can sign the contract that is ready to go and get the pier structure restoration started this year.

The stakes are clear: if we cannot secure support this month, the contract terms lapse and committed external funding could be at risk. We know it is a tough challenge, but we are fighting to close the gap and keep the project alive.

Already, emergency works on the island and landside have been completed. Restoration of the key landside buildings is ready to go, thanks to external grants the council has already secured.

But now is a critical moment for the pier structure restoration. The council will meet on Tuesday 16th September and, by then, we will know whether we have the support needed to begin work or whether the project is stalled for the foreseeable future.

The continued support of the community, the volunteers of the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust and our funding partners has been key to the progress made so far. Together we can and must find a solution.”