FLORAL tributes have been left at the entrance to Birnbeck Pier in memory of Alan Wright, a fisherman from Weston who was swept into the sea.

FLORAL tributes have been left at the entrance to Birnbeck Pier in memory of Alan Wright, a fisherman from Weston who was swept into the sea.

The 26-year-old, of Grasmere Drive, was fishing off the rocks under the pier when he fell into the water and was dragged out by the strong current.

His 19-year-old wife Samantha said he did not know how dangerous the tide is in the area and family members have called for more signs to warn of the danger.

Members of the town's RNLI, which operates from the pier, have in the past had to warn people off the rocks.

RNLI member Liam McDermott said: "The area near the pier is used by fishermen and members of the public regularly.

"It is a dangerous area in Weston and people don't tend to be aware of that.

"We do get concerned and have told individuals to get off the rocks when we know the tide is coming in."

A spokesman for Urban Splash, the company that owns Birnbeck Pier and island, said: "There are a number of places along Weston seafront at which the public can gain access to the foreshore. However, there is no public access to Birnbeck Pier, or via it, to the island.

"Safety is always a concern for us and for this reason entry gates are locked and only our staff and advisors and the RNLI are allowed on the pier.