Scaffolding goes up on Queen’s Pier, Ramsey, this week as volunteers prepare to start work on an ambitious restoration scheme.

But the trust behind the project has put out an urgent appeal to raise the extra £11,000 it needs to be able to order the steel.

So far the Queen’s Pier Restoration Trust, which signed a five-year lease with the government last month, has raised about half the £60,000 it needs to repair the first bay of the pier.

But having spend thousands on scaffolding and insurance, it is £11,000 short of the £32,000 required to order the steel. Further delays will mean work will not be able to begin this year.

Trust chairman Tom Durrant said: ’The clock is ticking with the weather. Donations are very important.

’There is insufficient money to purchase the bespoke steel lattice work at the present time.

’The amount required is £32,000 , half with the order and the remainder on delivery six weeks later. We hope people will help so we can do the repair this year, given good weather.’

The trust is planning to reopen the 138-year-old landmark in phases, starting with the first 120ft at the promenade end and retaining as many original features as possible.

It says it will become an outstanding tourist attraction with arcades for shops, cafes and entertainment together with a planned fitness trail and restoration of the tramline.

The entrance building will be renovated for use as a volunteer centre, office and workshop.

People are invited to become members of the trust and be inspired to make a gift of £10 or more to bring the pier back to life. Corporate sponsors are particularly welcome.

Supporters can make a donation by standing order, PayPal or one-off payment through the donation section at www.ramseypier.co.uk or send a cheque made out to QPRT to the treasurer at Keilthustag Bungalow, Smeale Rd, Andreas, IM7 3EB.