Blackpool’s three piers have been put on a heritage ‘at risk’ list due to the threats from the effects of climate change and changing tourism needs.
The piers, which include the Grade II listed North Pier, have been included on the 2018 World Monuments Watch. This highlights cultural heritage sites facing imminent challenges and aims to create opportunities for positive change.
Leader of Blackpool cllr Simon Blackburn said changes to weather patterns have caused him to be concerned about the future of the piers for some time.
‘The piers are three of the most iconic structures in Blackpool and we need to ensure that through local and international collaboration that they remain significant features of the town to be enjoyed by future generations,’ he said.
‘Being included on the watch list offers real opportunities for dialogue with central government as well as other towns, nationally and internationally, that are experiencing the same problems.’
The National Piers Society estimate that 20% of piers are currently ‘at risk’ of being lost.
Chairman, Tim Wardley, said: ‘This is an opportunity for Blackpool to lead the way in a dialogue that has the potential to help other piers across the country and to raise the profile of the difficult situation many of them are in today.’
