Huge fire destroys historic pier

Phoenix Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:03 pm

A huge fire has destroyed the historic Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.

Dozens of firefighters fought to tackle the blaze which took hold of the partly wooden pier in the North Somerset seaside resort at about 0700 BST.

No-one was injured in the fire, which firefighters said started in an area containing deep fat fryers. Black smoke was visible more than 10 miles away.

The owners, who have recently bought and refurbished the pier, were said to be "absolutely devastated".

The flames have obliterated the pier's many serving hatches, bars and games booths leaving its 100 employees facing an uncertain future.

A statement is due to be made later by the pier's joint owner Kerry Michael regarding what will happen to their jobs.

Watch the video.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7528943.stm