Sundown on Birnbeck Pier

As we drove down the M5 towards the M4 and South Wales the overhead gantries lit up telling of a closure near Newport. We therefore took an executive decision and kept going south to Weston Super Mare.

The sea was in! Not often that happens... And parts of Weston are actually quite attractive, as long as you stay well clear of the uber-tacky and over-priced promenade hot-spots. The old Victorian Weston is a delight.

So we found a free parking space and walked the beach from the old Tropicana (currently under marquees for a private function) all the way down to Birnbeck Pier. 

We did have five minutes on the Grand Pier, but that was more for the contrast. They still have pinball tables in the amusement arcades... but I wanted to play them not buy them! Quid a go!!!

At Birnbeck Pier we met one of the people trying to sort out the mess from a combination of the dreadful storm of 1996 which closed the pier to the public, and all the deterioration since. A tough job and an interesting tale!

Apparently the council are now seeking adverse possession of this Grade II* island structure, but of course don't really want to take it on themselves. It's going to be a money pit for anyone. 

Pretty for photography though, if you can manage to trespass onto it (I'm told) and as long as you don't kill yourself (I'm warned). ;-)