Tide turns for English pier as cash-strapped Britons stay home

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BRIGHTON, England (AFP) — With colourful arcades, dizzing rides and rich-smelling food stalls, the English pier has long been a key part of a British seaside holiday -- but this summer could be its busiest for years.

Piers like those in Weston-Super-Mare -- which largely burnt down Monday -- and Brighton are traditional 19th century decks extending into the sea housing fairground carrousels, fish and chip shops and other wholesome family fare.

They first sprung up as the growth of railways and better working conditions under Queen Victoria prompted more people to take seaside holidays but fell out of fashion in the 1960s as package breaks opened up mass market foreign travel.

Now, though, Britain's 55 piers could be on the cusp of a revival as rocky economic...