Worthing Pier reopens with one-way system to social distance

Visitors will once again be able to plod along the planks of Worthing Pier after the attraction was forced to close in March due to the coronavirus crisis.

But the attraction will now have a one-way system in place to encourage people to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

A spokesman for Adur and Worthing Councils said: "Visitors to Worthing Pier are being asked to follow a new one-way system to ensure social distancing is maintained.

"With the government relaxing some Covid-19 restrictions, Worthing Borough Council reopened the seafront landmark yesterday."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the easing of some lockdown measures in a pre-recorded message to the nation, broadcast on Sunday.

Several of these came into effect yesterday, including people being allowed to take unlimited outdoor exercise and play sports such as tennis and golf with members of their household.

Sunbathing, going for a picnic and relaxing in a public place have also been given the green light, as well as driving to outdoor open spaces, beaches and beauty sports in England.

Following the Conservative party leader's announcement on Sunday, a Brighton Palace Pier boss said steps were being taken to adapt the pier to allow for social distancing measures. But, for now, the attraction remains closed.

Anne Ackord, chief executive of The Brighton Pier Group, said: "We had been hoping for more detail and a closer potential opening date so that we can reassure our teams that they will be back to work and make firm plans to create a safe environment within as yet unspecified parameters.

"We are currently adapting the pier to allow social distancing and additional hygiene practices and we are confident we can provide a safe environment whatever the restrictions.

"We are still, however, in the position of not knowing when we can open as the need to satisfy the vital tests to move from stage one of a phased opening of the economy to stage three, as outlined by Boris Johnson, means that any anticipated opening date is so dependent upon these criteria being met that it cannot be taken even as a rough guide."

• At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.

#