Historic city harbour is 'crumbling into the sea'

STEPS FROM THE PIER TO THE SEA ARE CLOSED BY COUNCIL

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A SECTION of Plymouth’s historic West Hoe Pier has been closed to the public for safety reasons as pictures show worrying signs it is crumbling into the sea. Plymouth City Council has already ordered a survey of the Grade II listed structure and is carrying out a review.

The enclosed harbour, off Grand Parade, dates from 1880. Its walls are made from very strong limestone blocks. But pictures sent in by Plymouth businessman Neal Stoneman show holes in the wall, blocks which appear to be about to fall out, and missing steps.

Mr Stoneman, who snapped several pictures on a recent visit to the waterfront, said: “This will be the next thing to crumble into the sea if they don’t carry out some urgent repairs to the main structure.”