A Tyne Tees Television Northern Life news report on a row over the condition of Saltburn pier transmitted 18 October 1976. The head of the pier was lost to severe storms two years previously and the local council is currently working to stabilise and repair what is left. Interview with a workman on the pier who believes the condition of the whole pier is very dangerous with the structure possibly falling into the sea within the next three years.   The story begins with reporter Roderick...

A Tyne Tees Television Northern Life news report on a row over the condition of Saltburn pier transmitted 18 October 1976. The head of the pier was lost to severe storms two years previously and the local council is currently working to stabilise and repair what is left. Interview with a workman on the pier who believes the condition of the whole pier is very dangerous with the structure possibly falling into the sea within the next three years.   The story begins with reporter Roderick Griffiths standing on the cliffs overlooking Saltburn Pier. 'Saltburn', says Roderick, 'is proud of its famous pier.' However, following the destruction of the seaward end two years previously during dreadful storms, there has been a fight to keep what remains. General views of the pier which is in a dilapidated state. From the beach, general views of the rusted uprights. A Great Yarmouth company has been contracted to dismantle the damaged end and build a new pier head to keep the remaining structure stable. However, a workman on the project has commented that he believes the remaining structure is as rotten as the pier head and could disintegrate within the next three years. In high winds, the remaining part of the pier sways up to nine inches in either direction. On the beach, with the pier in the background, the workman John Clayton is interviewed. He says that the seaward end of the pier is currently in a very dangerous condition and if it wasn’t for the rust it would have already fallen into the sea. In his opinion, the near end of the pier is in worse condition and may disappear in the next three years if there any more rough seas. The film cuts to an interview with a representative of the local council. He is asked if he believes Saltburn pier is worth saving. He replies that the council has been told by the Secretary of State that it has to be preserved, but the council also believes it is important to protect it. The councillor continues by saying he doesn’t go along with the claims made by Mr Clayton. He has spoken with the engineer who has assured him that the cast-iron uprights are in good condition. The uprights have also been inspected by the Minister Inspector, and, because they are in good condition, the pier was able to get Listed Building consent. The first phase of work, the councillor explains, was to remove the section blown away by the gales. The current stage of the work is to make the ends neat by building a hammerhead that will also help with stability. The final stage will be the replacing of rotten decking so the public can use it safely. The report concludes with the councillor explaining that the full completion will be at a later date, but he hopes the stabilising part will be completed before next year’s spring tides.