WORK on a £2.5 million scheme to bring Deal Pier into the 21st century is expected to begin next month. The district council's cabinet has given its backing to a contract for the refurbishment work.

It will include repairs to the concrete encased steel frame and supporting structure, along with decking works to the fishing area.

The cabinet approved the contract in principle at its latwst meeting but details of the contractor are not being released until negotiations have been finalised.

Cllr Peter Wells said: "Deal Pier is one of the district's major assets. It was identified as a priority for the area in the corporate plan and capital funds have been set aside for this work."

The pier is almost 50 years old and has withstood the elements well but is now in need of substantial renovation.