More than 83 percent of GB News readers have supported the channel’s assertion that the government should step in to help fund seaside piers, after several operators of the seaside attractions expressed their worries over rising costs taking effect next month.

A poll launched by GB News asking whether the government should step in to help preserve Britain’s historic seaside piers has found the vast majority of its readership are in favour of centralised financial support.

The survey, held via the channel’s website, found 83 percent of respondents approved of the proposal, as pier owners continue to speak out about the difficulties they anticipate in the face of rising costs.

“Seaside towns across Britain face a bleak financial outlook following Rachel Reeves’s Budget,” reported GB News. “Historic piers and coastal businesses are bracing for impact as minimum wage rises and National Insurance hikes loom on the horizon. Local business owners have expressed grave concerns about their future viability.”

“The National Piers Society estimates that Britain’s 63 pleasure piers attract ten million visitors annually. These iconic structures contribute millions of pounds to the UK tourism industry.”

The poll comes after figures including Bournemouth and Cromer Pier boss Rory Holburn told the Daily Express that he believed the proposed increases were “inhumane.”

“We hope that we can survive it,” said Holburn. “Maybe 20 percent of hospitality businesses are going to go under in the next two years… we just need to make sure we’re not in that 20 percent.”

“Inhumane, I would call it, because it is ignorant of the people that do the graft at the bottom end.”

Speaking to GB News, Holburn added that the changes to National Insurance and minimum wage would also impact seasonal employment, while causing “dramatic” harm to tourism.

“With that in mind,” wrote GB News, “should the Government step in to help preserve Britain’s historic seaside piers?”

At the time of writing, 83 percent were in favour and 17 percent against, with comments from readers such as Maria Morris urging action from ministers.

“It’s our history, why erode it further?” wrote Morris, however Martin Spartan said “the council tax should cover that cost. Stop council fat expenses, that’ll cover it.”

“As soon as the government gets involved prices will be more than doubled and time will be wasted,” added Ray Herbert. “A better use of our money would be to crowdfund and get a good contractor to oversee the projects.”