The first stage of the repair saw piles driven into the seabed to maintain the pier’s stability, while the damaged struts are removed and replaced.“During the first spring low tide of November on Tuesday, contractors were able to safely check the stability of the ground under the pier and began drilling the first two of six holes for the new steel piles,”reported the BBC.“

The first of six steel piles designed to support the structure was installed during low tide on Wednesday [13 November] afternoon.

”It is hoped the work will be completed before the end of the month, with Adur and Worthing Councils stating it is “keen to allow residents and visitors back onto the pier to allow the popular businesses to begin trading again.”

There was, however, some bad news this week as wintry weather descended on the south coast, serving to delay the Pier repairs. Hopes for e speedy re-opening were dented with Worthing Borough Council updating residents on 20 November that contractors are “not going to be able to complete the project as quickly as we had hoped.”

“The work on the beach can only be done safely during the spring low tides, but strong winds and driving rain significantly cut the length of the low tides on Monday and Tuesday.”