A MONTH after questions were raised once again about cracks in Boscombe Pier, a councillor said nothing has been done to rectify the problem.

Cllr Ron Whittaker raised his concerns about problems with the pier at the Environment and Transport Overview and Security Panel meeting in March.

He said he feared the problems could threaten the long-term viability of the structure.

The issue was first raised in September 2011, when engineers from company Carillion - responsible for refurbishing the pier at a cost of £2.4m in 2008 - said workers would complete a programme of repairs.

However, four years on, Cllr Whittaker said little has been done about the problem.

And a month after raising fresh questions about the pier, the councillor plans to present the issue to councillors once again at the full council on Tuesday, April 21,

The question will ask why, despite the "very evident cracking to a number of piles and joints supporting the pier", contractors have not made public the results of surveys conducted last year.

"A year later we are still awaiting the results," Cllr Whittaker said.

"We need to engage with a specialist company with the expetise to see if any further deterioration has occurred and what action will be needed."

The piles supporting the pier were supposed to have a lifespan of 50 years, but hairline cracks were discovered in the concrete structures.

Cllr Whittaker said the problems were first reported in 2007, and quoted the late Geoff Turnbull - who was Bournemouth council's major engineering project manager - who reportedly said in an email before his death: “In my experience, cracks are bound to lead to early failure.”

The Daily Echo revealed four years ago that every single pile supporting the pier is showing hairline cracks.

The council said at the time that it is drawing up a monitoring plan, and any repair costs will not fall on the taxpayer.

Cllr Whittaker is to be made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough at the full council meeting.

He has served the town for almost 44 years continuously, but is soon to retire from the role.