THE prospect of a private backer investing £20million in Southend Pier is exciting, and could potentially mark the start of a new chapter in the pier’s long history.

It is too early to pop champagne corks, however.

Southend Council is probably as keen as any party to make the deal a success, but is quite rightly proceeding with caution. The recent history of the pier is littered with failed, often wholly unrealistic, private enterprise projects.

Whatever the deal, the bottom line is that ultimate ownership of the pier must remain vested in the council, for all time.

With that major proviso, a private enterprise operator with a clear vision for the pier, should be welcomed with open arms. Southend Pier, unlike other piers around the UK coast, loses money at present. But there is no reason why, with a few enhancements and some marketing flair, visitor numbers cannot be multiplied, and the pier put in the black financially.

Southend sits on a huge asset – the longest pleasure pier in the world. But this enviable treasure has been under-marketed and underexploited.

The involvement of private enterprise could transform this situation.

With investment and vision, the longest pleasure pier in the world can also become the country’s most visited seaside attraction.