Cromer Pier charges proposed amid North Norfolk cash deficit

But while Cromer's beloved and historic Pier has always been free to walk on, this could change as part of efforts to plug a Norfolk council's growing £1.3m deficit.

Steve Blatch, chief executive at the Liberal Democrat-controlled North Norfolk District Council, proposed the measure at a recent overview and scrutiny committee meeting as one way to help solve the cash crisis it faces.

The historic Cromer Pier. (Image: Denise Bradley)

He highlighted that other piers across the country charge for entry and said it would be a move to consider. 

Brighton Pier has recently introduced a £1 tariff and Bournemouth Pier charges £1.65. 

Other piers that charge entry fees include Grand Pier in Somerset, Southend and Yarmouth Pier on the Isle of Wight.

Mr Blatch said: "These are issues that the cabinet needs to consider in the next few weeks to find a balanced budget.

"You could charge people to go on the pier. Other places do, but is that in the spirit of what North Norfolk is, in terms of it being an open and iconic attraction in public ownership?"

"If we do go for a charge, would it generate enough income to cover the necessary infrastructure needed to put in place such a charge... or would people just not go on the pier?"

An image from the live stream at the North Norfolk District Council overview and scrutiny committee meeting (Image: NNDC)

NNDC has also considered putting a donation point on Cromer Pier, which it hopes could raise about £20,000. However, this is yet to be implemented.

The council is also considering monetising the landmark by installing advertising boards, though this could affect the heritage value of the pier. 

Mr Blatch acknowledged that any charges could cause issues with people visiting the theatre and restaurant. 

An aerial view of Cromer and its historic pier (Image: Mike Page)

SAVINGS NEEDED

The discussion comes as NNDC officials  work to find ways to make savings.

Shutting public toilets, making staff redundant and expanding the Meadow car park in Cromer have all been proposed as ways of raising extra revenue. 

Public toilets in Stalham, Weybourne and West Runton have been proposed to shut down while others could face winter closures. 

Nearly £1m in savings had been identified as of July this year, which is off-track by about £100,000.

Around £250,000 in extra saving measures have been put forward this week. These include staff hours being cut, the senior multi-skilled operative being made redundant and the axe of some vacant posts. 

Lucy Shires, cabinet member for finance, warned more uncomfortable decisions may be needed in the future to improve the council's financial position.

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North Walsham, the biggest town in North Norfolk, has a shortage of affordable housing (Image: Newsquest)

WHAT IS CAUSING NNDC's CASH CRISIS?

One of the biggest issues facing NNDC is the sharp rise in people needing help after becoming homeless.

This is costing the council in the region of £1m a year to fund temporary accommodation.

Wendy Fredericks, deputy chair of the council, told councillors: "We spend £632 a week to house a family in temporary accommodation. That is why we are facing huge budgetary challenges."

READ MORE: Number of children homeless in Norfolk reaches record high

Wendy Fredericks, deputy chair at North Norfolk Council (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Fredericks attacked claims that the issue is being caused by "people coming from abroad", calling recent comments blaming immigrants for the housing crisis "disgusting and repugnant".

"This statement hurts the vulnerable people that we are trying to help," she added. 

She said the biggest reason people are seeking help in north Norfolk is due to being victims of domestic abuse. 

Councillors are set to consider issuing a letter to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, demanding more financial help to cover the costs of providing temporary accommodation.

Ms Fredericks said: "The building of more homes is of course incredibly welcome.  However, it is the short-term funding crisis that needs addressing while these new affordable homes are built out."

THE CROMER PIER CHRONICLES

There are records of a pier, or jetty, at Cromer from 1391, from which local produce was loaded onto ships. 

A long jetty to load and offload goods was built in 1822, and became a popular promenade to walk along.

After this was destroyed by a coal boat smashing into the jetty in 1897, a new pier was built in 1902 which survives today.

The 150-metre-long structure continues to be a major tourist attraction and it is one of only five left in the UK with an end-of-pier theatre.

It also boasts a restaurant, Tides Bistro, and it is a popular place for families to visit to go crabbing.