Southend Pier trains pause for essential work

Railway trains operating on Southend Pier will be out of action for nearly a month so essential maintenance work can be carried out, the local council has said.

The carriages take tourists up and down the 1.3 mile-long structure (2.1km), which is the longest pleasure pier in the world.

Work is due to be carried out between Monday and 5 April.

"This essential work will ensure the trains run smoothly in time for the summer season," said Matt Dent, Labour cabinet member for culture, tourism and business on Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Two electric trains were introduced at the pier in April 2022, courtesy of a £3.5m investment.

However, only the diesel train will be operational after the work is complete, the city council confirmed.

The pier will remain open to the public during the works.

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