Worthing Borough Council is looking to recruit a committee of residents, local businesses, and community representatives to work alongside the authority on ambitious plans to secure the future of Worthing Pier.

Following the two-month closure of the attraction due to storm damage, the council is seeking “innovative ways to maintain, improve and fund the town’s seafront” by engaging more closely with those who use it.

“During the last two months there has been widespread vocal public support for investment in the seafront,” said a statement. “We hope to harness this passion and positivity by recruiting residents, business leaders and community groups.”

“They would work alongside our officers and councillors to develop a blueprint to safeguard the pier, Worthing Lido and other key heritage sites along the coastline to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy these assets for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Speaking at the reopening of the pier on 4 December, council leader Sophie Cox said “as a council for the community we want our residents, businesses and community organisations to work alongside us to make a new vision for our seafront a reality.”

“We can’t do it on our own with the resources we have, but with the support of our amazing community and beyond, we can breathe new life into our town.”