April 20, 2020

The final touches are being made to Clacton Pier’s new white water log flume ride which will be ready for use once the current Covid lockdown is lifted.

Work still needs to be carried out to install the electrical and safety control systems, but the entire structure has now been completed.

The logs – which people sit in - are also currently undergoing a full refurbishment.

Billy Ball and his brother Elliot, who own the Pier, have been working on the project with a small in-house technical services steam – while keeping a safe distance from each other.

“Part of the 15 metre high ride is visible from the seafront, but no one can see the entire structure as we are in lockdown like every other attraction,” he said.

“So, we thought we would reveal this first sneak preview of what it looks like and what our customers can look forward to at the appropriate time.

“We had been preparing to bring in extra teams to get the rides ready for Easter but stood those down once we realised we would not be open.

“It is strange to see the Pier empty for so long as we normally only close on Christmas Day, but we must follow the guidelines and stay safe.”

Mr Ball added that despite the storm damage in February - and the on-going process of repairing the small section of the ride deck which collapsed – plans are continuing to progress for a second new ride, the Looping Star roller coaster.

The track has now all been sandblasted and repainted and another trailer arrived on site on Friday from storage.

All the various parts need to be sorted into sequence so that the ride can be put up as smoothly as possible when the time arrives.

“Our very limited team remain on site to ensure the overall structure, buildings and attractions continue to be maintained and will be safe and serviceable once Covid restrictions are relaxed,” said Mr Ball.

“Until then we all have to be patient – however difficult it may be – until we are told things start to return to normal.”

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