MEMBERS of a trust which is battling to save Birnbeck Pier have unveiled a series of major fundraising initiatives designed to kickstart their plans to save the landmark.

The Birnbeck Regeneration Trust has launched schemes which will enable people to sponsor parts of the historic pier, such as planks, lamps seats or seating pods.

The sponsorship plans are part of a drive by the Trust to raise more than £80,000 to carry out a feasibility study and structural survey on the pier, which was listed as one of the country’s most endangered structures by the Victorian Society last week.

If the trust is able to raise the money to carry out the works, it will then be able to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for millions of pounds in funding – which could then see owner Wahid Samady lease the pier to the trust for restoration.

The trust has said a multitude of plaques are on offer for people to sponsor, while those keen to remember the history of Birnbeck will be able to buy a piece of the existing structure when parts of it are torn down for restoration.

Trust project manager Richie Griffin said: “The plaques will be engraved with any specific words. They may be an individual’s name or a society or company, or a plaque in memory of a loved one or the celebration of a new birth or anniversary.

“Plaques will be fixed to the pier by the trust once the main bridge is formally opened.”

The trust has also spoken out to confirm its status as a charity and has explained what happens to people’s money after they donate to the fund.

Mr Griffin said: “The trust was set up in 2004 and we are a fully registered charity.

“Money goes into the trust’s bank account and will only be used for work as agreed by the trust and its constitution.”

To sponsor a plank or for more information about the trust and its work, click here.