Local council officers believe the new scheme could be a means of generating upwards of five grand a month towards upkeep at the Victorian attraction, without mandating an entry fee. Perhaps a bit more money from the local authority to Cromer Pier might help its survival chances a bit more?

North Norfolk District Council  is flirting with the idea of establishing a device on Cromer Pier which would allow visitors to make donations towards the structure’s long-term upkeep. 

As reported by local paper the Fakenham & Wells Times, the proposal comes on the back of a suggestion late last year of a blanket entry fee for visitors to the landmark, which was swiftly quashed by council leadership – despite a supposed £1.3m deficit in the authority’s coffers. 

But the new solution, floated by council officers as a means of raising up to £5,000 for the structure every month, would fall in line with a similar approach implemented at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich. 

“This could provide a viable way for the council to generate additional revenue to maintain the iconic Grade II listed pier in sound condition for the future as a key element of north Norfolk’s tourism appeal and offer,” read a report provided by officers to council leaders. 

Cromer Pier will celebrate 125 years of operation in 2026, but NNDC leader Tim Adams has expressed concern that funding for maintenance of the pier may be deprioritised should plans suggested by the White Paper for English Devolution (published in December) go ahead, which could see a merging of the various Norfolk regional councils into a single unitary authority. 

Earlier this month, Adams said that the continuation of NNDC represented the “best available scenario” to local residents, presenting “the best opportunities for local representation and focus for the businesses of North Norfolk.”