Spiderman-style workmen and divers help �1.2m Cromer Pier revamp move into new phase

A �1.2m repair scheme at Cromer Pier is moving into a new phase, as divers begin working on the landmark pier's legs and a start is made on replacing some of the wooden decking.

Visitors to the historic holiday jetty have had the added attraction of watching Spiderman-style workmen dangling among the metal superstructure, where they have been replacing hundreds of rusting braces.

Since April a six-strong team has been using abseiling rope techniques to access the pier underside, remove old struts, bolt on new ones, and give some a coat of black paint to match the rest of the listed structure.

North Norfolk District Council coastal engineer Brian Farrow said the 68-week project was 'on programme and price' with no major weather hold-ups for the team from steel specialists Fairport Process Equipment.

The next stage, starting in the coming days, would see divers surveying eight major pier legs, and adding sacrificial concrete to the protective sleeves.

Decking work was likely to start in the north east corner, with sections of wooden boarding ripped up, some steel support beams replaced and new decking put down using high density ekki hardwood.

About a quarter of the pier decking would be replaced under the current scheme, with more to be done in future years as part of a planned maintenance programme, said Mr Farrow.

The current project is designed to put the pier in good stead for another 20 years.

Work has also been planned to dovetail in with shows at the Pavilion on the 1901 landmark pier.

The Pavilion also currently has some scaffolding around it, as routine roof repairs are carried out.