The council has this week confirmed it has no intention of rebuilding Herne Bay’s historic pier.

Bosses admitted there is no money to restore the landmark to its original length after Pier Trust members called for them to agree its regeneration as a priority for the district.

Dawn Hudd – the officer in charge of the pier – said: “We’ve been really clear that we have no plans to rebuild the pier.
“That doesn’t mean to say if a viable scheme came up some time in the future we wouldn’t support and back it, but it would have to work commercially and be affordable.
“None of the schemes being talked about, like a marina and extending the pier to its original length, actually work in terms of finance.
“Rebuilding the pier would be a lovely thing to do if there was £50 million available.”

It has long-been claimed Herne Bay is a “poor relation of Canterbury”, with people wanting a restored pier arguing council money was invested in the new £26 million Marlowe Theatre, but Mrs Hudd says you can’t compare the two.

She said: “The Marlowe is a totally different thing. You can’t compare the building of a new theatre to the rebuilding of a new pier.
“It’s like comparing apples to caviar – they’re totally different.
“The Marlowe was commercially viable and built on the back of a strong business plan which warranted the investment that went into it.
“So far I’m yet to see a financially viable scheme for the re-building of the pier.”

Mrs Hudd was speaking as the demolition of the pier pavilion was finally completed. The space will now be asphalted and the council and Pier Trust are working together to organise a series of events for this summer.

The first is set to be a tea party for 500 schoolchildren and elderly locals on June 3 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Mrs Hudd said: “There are so many people passionate about Herne Bay and it has the potential for great things. We’re working hard to realise that potential in a very difficult market.”