CLACTON Pier provides a perfect point of comparison to Southend Pier - another popular Victorian pleasure pier on the Essex coast.

However, Clacton Pier has thrived under private ownership and is commonly thought of as a perfect example of how a pier can become a major attraction.

Clacton Pier was officially opened on July 27, 1871, built originally as a landing platform and jetty to allow the movement of manufactured products and many other items.

In 1893, the pier was lengthened to accommodate a theatre and a pavilion, called the Jolly Roger. It was acquired by Ernest Kingsman in 1922, who invested a quarter of a million into to pier’s redevelopment.

This era saw a rollercoaster being built, a theatre, the Blue Lagoon Dance Hall, Crystal Casino, an open-air swimming pool and Steel Stella roller coaster.

Control fell to Ernest’s son, Barney, in 1971, at this point visitor numbers were in decline and the pier was sold to Michael Goss, whose family had the majority share in Walton Pier.

Michael ran the pier as an amusement centre until frustration with a lack of help from local authority members and their lack of understanding of how to make the pier work caused him to sell and retire.

Goss’ pier was cut up and divided between four local tradesmen who planned an overwhelming redevelopment of the pier. Under this ownership the whirlwind coaster, roller rink and a water slide were added but the pier company struggled before losing the site.

A local family, The Harrisons, bought the pier and ran a refurbishment operation until they decided to pass on to The Clacton Pier Company.

The Clacton Pier Company has steadily upgraded the pier, redeveloping the former Cockney Pride pub as a Boardwalk Bar and Grill, new machines and rides added to return the pier to glory. Their recent additions include a new 10 pin bowling lounge and bar and adventure golf site.