WESTON-SUPER-MARE’S MP John Penrose has said the town is ‘fed up’ of waiting for the owner of Birnbeck Pier to carry out vital improvement works and claimed the pier could become an ‘important’ historical asset if it is saved.

John Penrose has met members of the Birnbeck Regeneration Trust to view the site and find out how its efforts to restore the aging grade II* listed pier were progressing.

The trust is in the process of applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for millions of pounds in funding, which would repair the pier and create a Victorian-style amusement park on the structure.

Birnbeck’s owner Wahid Samady has agreed in principle to lease the pier to the trust on a 25-year basis, but the details of the agreement have not yet been finalised and Mr Penrose called for Mr Samady to act.

Mr Penrose said: “I have said to him (Mr Samady) repeatedly that Weston is fed up with waiting. We are making so much progress elsewhere that Birnbeck is really suffering in comparison.

“Birnbeck is not right in the middle of the seafront but it could be a lovely and impressive heritage attraction and asset.”

Mr Penrose also said he felt history and architecture enthusiasts from across the country would take an interest in Birnbeck if plans to restore it went ahead.

He said: “We all love it here in Weston, but if we can get a project going I think we will find heritage enthusiasts from much further afield will want to get involved because of its importance.”

In addition, the trust’s Weston At Its Finest charity calendar has gone on sale. The calendar, priced £7, features photos chosen by the public and was supported by the Mercury.

To reserve a copy click this link.