Colin Jamieson has called on Sefton Council to up security at Southport Pier after a second incident of vandalism, as local businesses continue to endure the “ongoing nightmare” of the pier’s prolonged closure.

Southport Pier arcade concession holder Colin Jamieson has urged Sefton Council to step up its security after four young people broke onto the pier on 23 February to throw bench seating into the sea.

The incident comes less than one year after a trespasser gained entry to the pier to steal a golf buggy, and prompted Jamieson to appeal to both councillors and local residents to respect the landmark.

“Sadly yet again, shockingly at 7.30am, four youths were seen trespassing on the pier, throwing our furniture over the side,” said Jamieson. “Thank you to Ocean Plaza Southport security who always look out for us, always contact us and the police. They got these guys on CCTV clear as day, and called police.”

“To Sefton Council who are paying security guards to patrol the pier, to shelter in our business, this keeps happening … what a sheer waste of money. To the general public, this is a plea to educate your children to not trespass onto people’s property and destroy things for fun. Have some respect.”

After being informed, Merseyside Police were able to locate two of the four boys who broke onto the pier, who were “spoken to by officers,” according to the Liverpool Echo.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council added “we are sorry to hear of the incident and will be happy to discuss ongoing security arrangements with the concessionaire.”

There is still no word on when the pier is likely to reopen, with Jamieson adding “day by day our livelihood is being destroyed little by little with zero help and no end in sight to this ongoing nightmare.”