Calls for council to rescue beloved pier

Desperate pier lovers have called on the council to rescue the town’s most iconic landmark.

Aber Pier, which went into administration a few weeks ago, faces permanent closure if no buyer laps it up.

Owners Don Leisure Limited have priced it at £1.5 million, and now there are calls for the council to save it.

Councillor Brenda Haines said: “To lose Aberystwyth pier would be an absolute tragedy for the town.

“I would call on Ceredigion to look into the possibility of buying the pier, to preserve this iconic landmark, which is also a valuable tourist attraction, and a venue much used by locals and visitors alike.

“I know it may be difficult given the present financial climate, but to lose such an important building should be unthinkable.”

Pier Pressure is also under threat

Local Sandra is a member of Save Aber Pier, trying to raise awareness of the situation.

She said: “I have no knowledge about the owners, but only assume they did all they could to keep their business going.”

Sandra is hoping through raising awareness locally and nationally, this will give the Pier a better chance of being saved by the local council and community.

She added: “If the Pier was set up as a community asset and turned into a social enterprise, many local community groups looking for space could make great use out of this.”

Fraser Smith, a second year Geography student, said: “The pier is an iconic institution of Aberystwyth, to both students and non-students alike.

“Doing away with it will hurt both the social atmosphere and economy of Aberystwyth.

“It should indeed be kept, but changed so instead of the owners trying to diversify the company – it has seven  different establishments on one pier – they concentrate on one or two aspects.

“No student or local wants to say goodbye to the memory making machine that is the Aberystwyth pier.”

Graduate Jamie Barker added: “I think it’s a terrible shame pier has been forced into administration.

“I spent several years in Aberystwyth as a student, and many more as a working professional, enjoying the various facilities which make up the Pier.

“Sadly, falling student numbers and a reduced drinking-culture across the Higher Education sector has meant this is an all-too familiar picture within university towns.

“I think there is still massive potential within the organisation, and I would like to see it continuing to operate their multiple venues.”