A PIER has been closed with immediate effect due to safety concerns. 

Lake Pier in Hamworthy has been shut to all visitors today (June 16) by BCP Council following concerns it is a “danger to the public”. 

Examinations of the pier have revealed issues with the struts and wooden timbers, according to ward councillor Peter Cooper. 

Mr Cooper said the pier was closed with “immediate effect”, adding: “After close examination of the struts and wooden timbers it has been classed as a danger to the public. BCP will keep us updated.” 

A BCP Council spokeswoman said: “Following a routine inspection, we have made the decision to temporarily close Lake Pier in Poole.

“Safety concerns have been highlighted by our officers in relation to the wooden handrails and its aging timber structure. 

“As a precaution, we are closing the pier with immediate effect. This will allow for further investigation to take place.

“We appreciate this will be disappointing for many local residents and visitors, but the safety of the structure and Lake Pier users is paramount.

“Once we have more detailed information around the issues at the pier, we’ll then be able to provide further updates.”

Read more: Failing coastal defences at Lake Pier need to be replaced

It comes after BCP Council’s flood and coastal erosion risk management team flagged concerns over failing coastal defences at the pier. 

An application was to replace the gabion fortifications and carry out improvements to access the nearby beach was submitted earlier this year. 

A statement submitted in support of the application said the project involved replacing the existing defences with a rock armour wall to protect the pierhead and car park. 

At present there is a 48-metre stretch of gabion baskets – cages containing rocks – which is in a “failed state”. 

Many of the baskets have broken open with stones missing, while others are deformed through displacement and settlement into the waterbed. 

Lake Pier is an inner harbour sand and shingle beach close to Ham Common Nature Reserve and is a Special Site of Scientific Interest. 

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Following a routine inspection, we have made the decision to temporarily close Lake Pier in Poole.

“Safety concerns have been highlighted by our officers in relation to the wooden handrails and its aging timber structure.

“As a precaution, we are closing the pier with immediate effect. This will allow for further investigation to take place.

“We appreciate this will be disappointing for many local residents and visitors, but the safety of the structure and Lake Pier users is paramount.

“Once we have more detailed information around the issues at the pier, we’ll then be able to provide further updates.”