Public gets access to burnt pier remains

02 September 2008

MELTED coins, burnt arcade games and even a lamppost have formed part of an eye-catching exhibition in Weston.

Many of the charred remains from Grand Pier fire are now on display at North Somerset Museum in Burlington Street.

The exhibition, which opened this week, charts the history of the pier, which was hit by a devastating blaze on July 28.

Visitors can get a close-up look at the destructive results of the fire and the remains recovered from the wreckage of the attraction's pavilion.

Pier owners Kerry and Michelle Michael are also planning to salvage a dodgem car in the next few weeks, which will be displayed alongside a pristine new one.

Michelle said: "There has been worldwide interest in the pier in the wake of the fire and the museum exhibition will record what happened on the day of the blaze.

"It will also form a catalyst for gathering information and memories about the pier from local people and holidaymakers alike.

"It will be a lively display with a film clip of the fire and eyewitness accounts of the event that made headlines all around the world. We are also planning to show the pavilion in all its glory just before the fire.

"T4 has sent us a great DVD showing some top stars having fun on the pier the weekend before the fire. They include Gok Wan, The Sugababes and Alphabeat, who performed on the pier.

"We aim to add to the exhibition as we clear the site and gather items of interest concerning the fire. We also want people with memories to come forward and add to the display.