Symbolic event unlocks vision for pier

Keys turns on restoration challenge

The group campaigning to restore Ramsey's Victorian pier has reached two milestones this weekend.

The Queen's Pier Restoration Trust held a symbolic gate unlocking yesterday afternoon (1 May).  Despite the 'opening' the pier remains out of bounds to the public. 

The group was handed the keys after being awarded a government licence to carry out a full survey of the structure.

A crowd funding appeal's also been set up to raise £40,000 to restore the first of the pier's bays.

Yesterday's gate opening has helped boost the Just Giving Facebook page - although a long slog lies ahead, with more than £1.5 million needed to restore the entire pier.