VISITORS were allowed back on to Southend Pier for the first time in three weeks at the weekend, but its gates will be locked again today. The walkway of the iconic Victorian structure has been closed since a fishing trawler collided with it on February 19.

Engineers from Southend Council have worked furiously to complete the emergency repairs which allowed it to be reopened to pedestrians on Saturday and Sunday.

But it will remain closed on weekdays until at least the end of the month, while further work is carried out.

A council spokesman said: “It is hoped it will continue to be accessible to pedestrians at weekends.

“Unfortunately, sea anglers will not be able to fish from the walkway until further notice.”

Extensive damage was caused to the pier’s west side when the Leigh-based trawler, H1103 Paul Patrick, struck it early in the morning.

The structure’s support pilings were destabilised, while several of the planks which make up the walkway were also pushed out of place.

The incident is still under investigation by the Marine Coastguard Agency, to decide if any action will be taken against the owner of the trawler.

It happened just two days after engineers finished repairing the damage from a barge, which was swept under the pier in high winds, six months ago.

It is believed the full cost of the latest repairs will be met by the trawler owner’s insurance firm.

To encourage tourists and residents to continue using the pier, council chiefs slashed the entry price from the usual £3.10 per person to just £1. John James, 31, of Fairfax Drive, Westcliff, enjoyed a walk along the pier on Saturday with his girlfriend, Jenna Liddell, 34, who was visiting him from her home in Cambridge.

“He said: “I wanted to show her the pier, as it’s such a famous landmark.

“It’s a real shame it’s been closed again, but at least it is open at the weekends, because that is when most people will want to walk along it.”