I WAS pleased to read how members of Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust have launched a worthwhile appeal to encourage local residents and businesses to raise £1.6 million for a new visitor centre (the Post, May 9).
I urge all local residents and businesses to back this appeal and dig deep into their pockets to help raise the £1.6 million for a new visitor centre.
The pier is the jewel in Clevedon's crown that attracts thousands of tourists and holidaymakers to the town.
The pier, the only fully intact Grade I listed pier in the country, was opened in 1869 to satisfy the appetite of wealthy Victorians in search of bracing sea air for pleasure and for health.
Tragically, during insurance weight tests the edifice described by Sir John Betjeman as the most beautiful pier in England collapsed in 1970.
Initial reaction was split - should it be restored or just sold for scrap? Fortunately, the preservation dream won through and almost 20 years later after much fundraising, dismantlement and refurbishment, the pier was re-opened.
At about the same time, the 'sponsor a plank' scheme was introduced and there are now 11,000 brass plaques dotted along the walkway and above the seats.
These days it is run by the Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust who boast "There are wonderful views of the Severn Estuary, the islands Flat Holm and Steep Holm, the two Severn Bridges and the best sunsets in the West Country."
How I agree whenever I visit and see the lovely Victorian Grade I Clevedon Pier. In her former glory, Clevedon's Victorian Pier was described by Arthur Elton as "Graceful as a spiders web, elegant as a piece of lace, simple in design, endearingly secure for over a hundred years, Clevedon Pier has added a humane grandeur to our environment".
Today film companies and photographers agree with him as this elegant structure has appeared in several movies and commercials.
The pier is much loved by thousands of tourists across the world, so let's all back this wonderful appeal for a new visitors' centre on Clevedon Pier .
D F Courtney
Weston-s-Mare
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