Volunteers behind the community-led restoration of Queen’s Pier say they are close to completing the first bay.

And work has already begun on stripping rotten timber from the next bay.

Major progress has continued this year since corroded wrought iron girders were swapped for new steel trusses during a May bank holiday weekend.

Restoration Trust spokesman Maggie Hughes said: ’We have all the materials needed to complete the first bay - planks, nails, bolts, stringers, stanchions, handrails, beams etc.

’We are just waiting for the cast iron grids which sit above the wave breaker to be returned from being refurbished.

’The grids have been sent to be sand blasted and undercoated. Frustratingly, we have only had six returned so far.

’This is holding up the completion of bay 1, as the grids need to be in place before the beams and planks can be fitted.

’Once the grids are back it will only be a matter of a few weeks before this bay is finished. We are so close!’

Maggie said there is a large amount of condemned timber on the second bay and the Trust has decided to offer this wood to anyone who would like to make a donation.

She said: ’We hope there will be some very artistic garden benches, tables or the like made from this historic wood and hopefully, not used as fire wood. People can contact us about the wood on 477062, or at [email protected]

’Once bay 2 is stripped, we’ll strip bay 3. We have gone out to tender for the steel for bays 2 and 3.

’We’d love to have all three bays completed before the bad weather sets in.’

Two new flag poles have been installed on the front of the pier building which will be ’rented out’ to anyone who would like to fly their company/football/country flags at Queen’s Pier.

This will cost private individuals and charities £10 per week and businesses £40 per week.

Ideally, the flags should be 2x3ft although there is a 3x5ft flag flying at the moment which looks fine.

The Trust is also in the process of collecting new material for its 2020 calendar.

’We would love to hear what people would like on this calendar, and see their wonderful photos,’ said Maggie.

’Photos can either be sent to [email protected] or our Facebook page @queenspiertrust.’

Maggie said the Trust is really keen for more volunteers, skilled or unskilled, to join the team, and would especially like to encourage younger volunteers to get involved.

’Our fundraising team are working tirelessly as usual, and have regular events to raise the much needed funds for this project,’ she said.

’The "heavy gang" are amazing and dedicated, as are Stuart and Graham who hold the whole show together.

’We’re almost there with the completion of the first three bays.’