Pier back open for business

CLEETHORPES' promenade is now complete following the overdue return of its iconic pier.

That is what customers said at the weekend, enjoying coffees when it reopened its doors to the public less than a week after a groundbreaking deal to secure its future was sealed.

As thousands of people flocked to the seafront to enjoy Cleethorpes Airshow, new leaseholder and chairman of the community- minded Pier Group, Bryan Huxford, flung open the doors of the venue for drinks and light refreshments – providing the perfect view.

He said: "This was the ideal time to open it and we didn't want to miss out on that opportunity.

"It was hard. We had silly things like finding out what all the switches did and where everything was and went.

"We had to wash the pier deck and clear the beer lines.

"I cannot believe how lucky I have been with my staff though.

"They have worked so hard to get it open."

The Pier Group is chaired by Mr Huxford and made up of six other local businessmen.

The lease has been taken on by Mr Huxford for one year, with an agreement that he can buy it after that.

If he does, all proceeds made in that first year, will be spent on maintaining the pier, which will eventually be run by a community initiative group, who will be given the opportunity to buy it after three years – for the same price Mr Huxford may pay for it in 2014.

Any profit made from the pier will go back into the venue, as well on projects in the wider community – a plan which has been met by great public support.

Mr Huxford continued: "I can't believe we have got it open already but I feel very, very optimistic about the future, not just of this building, but what it can produce and contribute to the whole area.

"Everyone who has come on board – from North East Lincolnshire Council to the police – have been so supportive.

"At the end of the day, this is my reputation on the line, this is going to work.

"Everyone who has been here today have said such lovely comments. It is remarkable."

Among those enjoying the return of Cleethorpes' most famous building, was the Elsby family, from Immingham.

Barry, 63, visited with his son, Paul, 36, Paul's partner Gemma Dickinson, and their child, Jasmine Elsby.

Barry said: "It is great to see it back open and to be able to sit out like this. It is how the pier was always supposed to be.

"If it is kept open like this, I can see it doing well and I am sure it will bring even more people into the resort."

Paul added: "It is spot-on. Cleethorpes has to have an open pier. It will help other businesses, too.

"Mr Huxford's plans are the way forward for the pier."

Guy and Cheryl Hodgins, of Great Coates, enjoyed looking over the estuary as they enjoyed hot drinks. Guy, said: "It is brilliant to see the pier back open; it had been closed for too long.

"If they keep it like this, I can't see why it wouldn't work. It will make a nice place for B&B guests to come for a sociable drink after a meal.

"If it becomes a family-orientated place rather than a nightclub, I am sure it will work out.

"We have enjoyed our stay."