Inferno guts historic Brithsh pier

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

WESTON-SUPER-MARE (AFP) — An inferno laid waste Monday to the historic pier at Weston-super-Mare on the northern Somerset coast, dealing a further hammer blow to the seaside town's economy.

About 30 firefighters were called in to fight the massive blaze, which broke out at around 6:45 am on the part-wooden structure, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries, Avon Fire and Rescue said.

The Grand Pier, which opened in 1904 at a time when beach resorts were booming, stretches a quarter of a mile (400 metres) into the Bristol Channel.

It had recently undergone a one-million-pound refurbishment with a new funfair and go-kart track.

The theatre pavillion on the Grand Pier was previously destroyed by fire in 1930 and rebuilt, opening three years...