This is when Brighton Palace Pier will reopen after lockdown

The landmark was forced to close with the announcement of the UK lockdown in March.

But today a post on the site’s social media pages said it hopes to be open early next month.

A spokesman said: “We are hoping to see you on July 4, we are ready to open safely, with all the fun of the pier.”

On the pier’s website there is a list of new health and safety measures which will be put in place when the gates are opened again.

It will have a reduced daily capacity to “allow social distancing and the best possible guest experience” with signs reminding people to stick to Government guidance over keeping their distance from others not from their household.

Staff will be given “daily non-invasive temperature checks” and pier bosses “may also require our guests to participate in such checks as a condition of entry”.

Anyone who has displayed symptoms of coronavirus is urged not to visit the pie, and those displaying a high temperature associated with a fever will not be permitted to enter the attraction.

Customers are also urged to book their wristbands (for rides at the site) and book restaurants in advance, as well as being “ready to make on-site payments using a contactless bank card”.

New queueing systems have been implemented to encourage social distancing, indicated by clear markers and signs.

Staff will monitor queues to make sure social distancing guidelines are followed.

The layout of tables and chairs in the dining areas on the pier has also been changed to ensure there are suitable gaps between diners.

Where strangers are sitting together, seats will be removed or blocked to leave spaces between people.

A similar approach has been taken on the pier’s rides with empty rows and seats between customers.

In addition, hygiene screens have been installed at all service points to physically separate staff and visitors.

This is one of several heightened hygiene measures now being taken by the pier.

Throughout the day, staff will frequently disinfect “touch points” such as tables and chairs, ride restraints and door handles.

Deep cleaning measures are being introduced, to be used “in the event that a person presents themselves with symptoms consistent with Covid-19” and there will several large hand sanitiser dispensers dotted around the site.

Staff will be issued with personal protective equipment (PPE) including face masks, disposable gloves, eye protection and hand sanitiser.

A spokesman for Brighton Palace Pier said: “As with our employees, we politely request that all our guests uphold the highest possible hygiene standards - whether it be when sneezing or coughing, through regular hand washing or the frequent application of hand sanitiser.

“We hope that these new health and safety measures provide our guests with confidence and eagerness to visit Brighton Palace Pier.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone and while every effort is being taken to protect the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, everyone should inform themselves of the risks, conditions and personal responsibilities before they visit.

“We thank you for your custom and understanding. Now, let’s make memories together.”

• 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.