Weston Pier destroyed

What are your memories of the pier?

Stewart Whittle
Can't believe what happened to the pier that day but at least it will be born once again

hanna
i have lived in weston all my life once i heard that it got burnt down :( i got the next plane back to weston from canada

Carol
I would like to suggest Weston pier could do something like they have on Bournemouth Pier, they have mounted into the floor beams brass commemoration plaques, which are paid for by next of kin and help towards the up keep of the pier. if you were to consider this I would like to know as I would be interested in purchasing a space, please place a response on this web page.Thanks

paige
its such a shame the pier has gone and most memories are right on the pier its extremely upsetting that they have just built a race track its such a shame.

Russ
I lived in Weston for a few years as a child an words cannot describe the grief I felt watching the peir burn down. Ny wif thinks I'm a bit odd, but then is wasn't an icon from her childhood going up in smoke. I had hoped to take my little girl to see it some time. Grand Peir, you are missed even here in Australia

Caitlin
i love the pier so much!I so :-( .

josh
i always loved the pier, and i liked going on the grabbers because they are fun to go on i would love to see it rebuilt

ashley williams
the pier was a fun for weston pier very sad

adrian weymouth from cardiff
we should all pull together and rebuild it not just the workers the familys and the public i love you weston age 22

charlotte
why did the flags not go on fire they are still there right now. um only if they could talk they would have a story to tell.

Ian
I moved to WsM last year from Bristol, Weston pier has always been a place I liked to visit and I am very sad that it has been destroyed in this way. But those people who think it should be rebiult exactly the same as before are bonkers! When the pier burnt down in the 30's (?) they replaced it with a structure that was of the new era. I am not sure why everyone wants to restore it to it's former glory - people will always be complaining its "not the same as it used to be". I would like to see a thoroughly modern structure rise out of the ashes that encompassed the old building - rather like we are seeing some car manufacturuers do with modern remakes of old cars such as the VW Beetle or Ford Mustang.(But that said, can we keep the 2p sliding coin machines - me and my son used to love spending hours losing our pocket money!)

Trouper
A Victorian Homage or 21st Century Super Casino !!!!!!!!!

paul
rememeber when i was young going to the pier every summer holidays as it was the main atraction to weston i miss the pier very much x i wish the pier will be rebuilt and i never will forget it x i love weston super mare forever xxxx

Aaron dawe
i can renember all the fun i had in the pier the day before the day it burnt down.i am so upset.

sophie
i rememeber when i was young going to the pier every summer holidays as it was the main atraction to weston i miss the pier very much x i wish the pier will be rebuilt and i never will forget it x i love weston super mare forever xxxx

Ray Taylor from Gloucester
I am saddened by the loss of weston pier but also sickened by the moaners who say Wston si finished. This is Weston we are talking about not Coventry. I mean come on!

Ray Taylor
I am saddened by the loss of the beautiful Pier and also angered by the pessimists who say this is the end for Weston. These pessimists should remember that they are talking about Weston and not Coventry. I have always been a great lover of Weston since a child (Iam now 74) and long for the day when the Pier reopens and it would be lovely if it were restored in as near its pre-fire glory, after all I seem to remember that they did it with Blackpool Tower Ballroom in the fifties I believe. Come on moaners, the Pier may be temporarily down but WESTON IS CERTAINLY NOT!

Karen Keating
The man I fell in love with, walked me down that pier, the first weekend we spent together in Sept 05. I was a Canadian on holiday. What a shame for that to have happened.

Richard Savage
I moved with my family to Weston in 1939 when I was two. My family knew Mr and Mrs Brenner who acquired the Pier at that time. My sister and I were taken to visit them about 1945 and Mrs Brenner gave us chocolates – a rarity because of rationing. In the ordinary way we were taken on to the Pier once or twice a year during the late 1940s, with a small handful of pennies to lay out. Many of the slot machines were of course, pre-war (some of them perhaps pre-First War). Particularly norable among were the mechanical marionette theatres, showing methods of execution – hanging (Crippen – now found to have been innocent), the guillotine, the electric chair, and the garotte. Your penny went in, a black blind lifted, the chaplain swayed and waggled his arms and the tiny victim went through it all over again. Some over the years had lost their blinds, so first you saw the characters going back to their places and the guillotined head climbing back onto its shoulders. There was a haunted house on the same principle. Of the same vintage there was a “what the butler saw” machine. You put in your penny, turned a crank, and watched as very faded photographs flickered past to show a lady of mature years taking a few clothes off. At her maximum exposure – which went by fast and unstoppable – she was wearing far more than the younger and better-looking ladies on the beach. Among the newer machines was a palm-reading machine, the invention of “Professor Renerb” (yes); and an “atom-splitting” machine, very like a horizontal steam engine, which apparently pounded the atom to pieces for your penny. And other machines of kinds still current now, with, even to a ten year old, a merry whiff of hokum. It was said at the time that the proprietors were so impressed with people’s willingness to spend in post-war jubilation that they put by the entrance an ordinary dustbin, its lid padlocked and a slot cut in the top with a notice saying “Put Your Pennies in Here”, and that after a week it was too heavy to move. Is this true?

Connor
Im Only 12 but i always go on the peir and i feel really sorry for the new owners

Tracey
What can i say from all the comments on here you can see how many lifes the pier has touched! I have many memories both with my parents and grandparents! It was such a lovely place and every time we went to the pier i felt like a child again getting all excited about it all! PLEASE PLEASE REBUILD THE PIER!!! XX

Mike
please rebuild it a it was before the fire

Phil
I live in Birmingham and so like many other briummes we are so devastated about the fire. Weston is the nearest sea side to Birmingham and like so many brummies we all have a great day out at weston. It's a real shock to me and have and I have so many happy memories of the Grand Pier. I just hope that the local council authority and the Pier owners re-builds the pier back to it's normal glory and don't mess around like they've done with the open air swimming pool.Long live weston and it's new Pier

iain
People calling this our 9/11 are a disgrace to humanity, how can you compare a destroyed pier to the life of thousands?

Sharon
Absolutely devastated. So many childhood and adult memories. I just dont know what to say. Only time will tell if people are listened to on the rebuild. Keep it the same where elae we will spend our coins.

Sharon
Absolutely devastated. So many childhood and adult memories. I just dont know what to say. Only time will tell if people are listened to on the rebuild. Keep it the same where elae we will spend our coins.

James Walker
Its so sad that the peir was burnt down as it was the best place in weston :(

Thomas
As one of the last piers still operating in the country Weston Grand Pier has to be reopened. Maybe, as a child of the town, and someone who had a first job on the pier, Jeffery Archer could dip into his pocket to ensure it gets rebuilt how it should be rebuilt?

john sykes
i now live in Canada and saw the video on e mail of the fire. i was so upset as when i was a youth living in Bristol i spent a lot of time in weston and on the pier. me and my friends would go to the pier hoping to meet girls. when i got married we used to take our children to the pier. To me and a lot of people the pier has a lot of fond memories. weston will not be the same without it please rebuild it so when i come to england for a holiday i can go their again and remember my memories

mc
weston was so close to were i live its such a shame to see it go up in smoke and how many people lost there jobs and how weston wont be that busy any more coz the pier was the main etraction and it was so lovly for the children to play on the kides rides and in the play house was coool

claire
i am realy gutted about the grand pier, ive got a lot of memorys on the pier and im very sad that this as happened.

Trish, Chesterfield
I was born in Bristol and spent many a summer day tripping to Weston and loved the place. When my mother told me about it I was in tears. I haven't been to Weston for about 3 years because I now live in Derbyshire so between family and work commitments, I don't get the time to visit like we used when we lived in Bristol. I watched the BBC video footage and I just can't believe its gone, its heart breaking to watch my childhood memories go up in smoke like that. Please rebuild it for the next generation of childhood memories.

Daniel (from Penarth, Cardiff)
I live in Penarth, a small coastal town just outside of the welsh capital, Cardiff. I live in a house on the cliff tops and I could see almight thick black smoke. Then, 15 minutes later, I turned on the news and the headline was that the pier in Weston has been destroyed by fire. I am so sad. I was there on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May earlier this year and I have a picture of my mother and father on the wall with the pier in the background. It is such a tragic shame. I sincerely hope it will be rebuilt. The iron structure underneath the pier has remained intact and therefore should be ok to be rebuilt on. I hope things can get back the way they used to be and that the pier can attract tourists once again, my dog loves the Grand Pier! xx

Sophie Radnedge
I loved walking my puppies on the pier! I think they loved the smell of the food!

Laura
I can't believe its gone. When I was a kid me and my family would spend every summer in Weston and every day would be on the pier. There's so many good memories I have from there from over the years. Hopefully it wont be too long until its restored to its former glory!

Lorelei Mathias
I am so sad to hear about the pier fire (and on my birthday too!) - it's where my brother, sister and I spent a lot of our childhood summers... my mum's parents lived there so it's a very nostalgic place for us. Sad to see it go, and hope that it will be rebuilt in a sensitive way... bye bye to the halcyon memories of slot machines, pink candy floss and windy hair... Rest in peace to the pier at weston super mare.

sophi lack
i used to go on the pier every day i will miss it though. but i w ill still come to weston even if the pier is there or not but im really upset though. its like the saying wats micky without minnie, wats tigger without pooh, wats weston without the pier. =(

ash
just hope the pier gets re-built really.

Richard Ward
As a child, I used to go on Weston Pier everytime I went on holiday with my Nan and Grandad; as my Grandad was from Weston. I have good memories of the pier and can also remember getting lost on the pier too; seemed so big to a child of 6 years old (26 years ago). The pier must be rebuilt, but I fear it wont have the same charm...

Steve N
I think I can safely speak for a number of people that whilst the Grand Pier burned a part of many childhoods died also. Personally, I have many happy memories of spending time with my parents and grandparents on the pier at Weston and now knowing that the Pavillion is no more leaves a hole in the heart. A truly sad day for all the residents of Weston and those who have been lucky enough to have visited. Let us hope the new owners rebuild it to reflect how dear it is held by many. As it is privately owned I hope too that if insufficient money is available to rebuild the structure they start up an official funding scheme to get work moving asap.

Mandy
A a child I spent many a happy holiday in Weston, walking down the pier and playing on the 2p machines was the highlight of my holidays, once i had my own child i did the same thing. I have lots of photos and memories of my time in Weston and urge the council of weston and the lottery fund to rebuild the pier. May I just say how sorry I feel for all the town and especially the staff of the pier. From Mandy, Brierley Hill, West Midlands

Bella
living just down the road from the pier it is a devastating blow me and my friends would spend countless weekends going sopping and buying fish and chips to walk down the pier and blow all our money on the attractions what fond memories! PLEASE REBUILD THE PIER

Betina Veile
Rebuild as it was !!!!

Kim, Stogumber
Went on the Pier as a child with my Grandfather, took my children, they would like to think it will be there when they have children!

Adam
I agree with Shawn.Weston-Ground-Zero

Cindy
Dropping 2p's down the wooden gaps onto the beach below on the walk up, complaining about the walk, but without a doubt all worth it, taking silly photos of myself as a fat pc plod! Spending endless amount of money (and hours) to get a cuddly toy saving the tokens to earn a keyring or cartoon pen. No matter all these silly things westons pier played a major part of my childhood and can not wait for it to be rebuilt!Please!!

kate
yes the pier is lovelly... well not exzacly anymore i like it when its not on fire

martyn fishlock (swindon)
The pier must be rebuilt. I am a west country boy and i have so many happy memories of all my holiday`s there. It is a tragedy to lose something that has a such special place in so many people`s heart`s. Hopefully a pheonix will rise from the ashes and give future generation`s as many fond memorie`s as i have.

Anne from brisbane australia
I was shocked to see The pier in flames on my local news , as a small child many a happy sunday was spent on The Pier with my family as we only lived a few miles away ,and many fun filled days as a teenager also spent there.After my wedding we moved to Australia and we didnt get back to my old home town till April 2008 and we took lots of photos of places that held happy memories for me so i am truely glad that i got a few of The Pier . We hope that it can be restored to its former glory and that we will get to see this on our next trip.

Lawrence
The flags in the breeze, candy floss, the train, a stroll, the amusements, the fun, the architecture, watching the tide come in on a sunny day, childhood memories in the past and the future. There are so many reasons why this pier has to be brought back to life.

josh
what a devastating ordeal for tourism and British heritage - what more can I say!

hannah
i cant belive this has happened my nan ad grandad and my dad alway took me there n i cryed todai n yesterday because i loved it there im glad no one got hurt in any way thats a good thing but its such a shock and i was gonna go in this 6 weeks aswell :'(gonna miss yew pier

Richard
The pier was good and should be built back to how it was - only this time with sprinkler systems so it never happens again!

Eamon EL Nairree
i think that it should be rebuild it because it is a peice of westons history and attracts tourists

Carl
I live in Blackpool and visited Westons Grand back in June 2000. A magnificent and huge 30's pavillion from the outside, a array of bright modern seaside entertainment inside. Our coastlines piers are our seaside heritage and many have been lost to natural disaster and the elements and also mans neglect which there is no excuse. Its a very sad time for Weston and the Piers owners and my thoughts are with them. As a pier lover and a member of the National Piers Society i feel very subdued and sad myself. However we must all hope for the future and the pavillion will rise and be worthy of the piers name again i am certain. Weston hasnt lost its pier, its lost the pier pavillion. When the debris is cleared and all investigations carried out surly the end can be cordoned off while the long process of restoration, and the very long stretch of pierneck from the prom which is unharmed be used for the simple pier pleasure of a stroll back and forth, sitting in the central shelters watching the seaside world go by with an ice cream and the kiosk open at the front. Our piers always face the threat of rough seas and storm and the dreaded fires and its up to man as their custodians to ensure that any damage is repaired, rebuilt and rejuvinated for decades of holidaymakers. Many original buildings have gone from our Piers and this was Westons 2nd Pavillion and it will have a 3rd to make its own memories and history. Remember all in Weston, your pier isnt gone, its a setback in its history and with every setback there is always a forward.Carl

Carol Kite
Sold ice cream here as a summer hols job in the late 60's.......but strangley as a child growing up in Weston it was 'out of bounds!'

Michelle
I have been going to weston pier for the last 33 years on weekends away. We had great times on a saturday night on there. It is so sad that this has happened

RACHEL HILL
I am so very saddened to hear about about this terrible tragedy. I was born in Weston and the Pier has always been a big part of my life. As children it was a real treat for my sister and I to go on and spend out coppers. From GCSE's through to graduating I worked on the Pier as a holiday job. I loved every minute of it. I had so many friends and it was a lovely place to work. It was a really good gang of people and the Brenners were really good to work for. It was like a second home!I moved away to study and I now live in Newcastle. But the pier has been and will always be so close to my heart. It's hard to explain but whenever I think of home, I always think of the pier. I was only just reminissing this weekend gone to my friends. I had planned a trip home in September with my partner. I am really excited to show him where I had grown up and of course, I was going to show him my pier. I was really interested in seeing all the new developments I had heard about as well(mum and dad always keep my updated!)When I heard first thing yesterday I kept the internet on all day at work reading all the developments and looking at the pictures / video. I so wish I was there. I spent the day in shock and dis-belief but most of all, with a very sad heavy heart. I think it should be rebuilt so the outside was the same as before. I will be back in September and I know the first thing I will do will be to get myself to the sea front and pay my respects in a way to such a wonderful place. I am heartened that so many (if not everyone) feels so strongly for this building and even though I no longer live in Weston, I will support and follow the re-build any way I can. My thoughts are with everyone and expecially to the owners and employees.

leigh
i cant belive its gone! i relly hope they build it up again!

andy,manchester
When i was really young,in the summers we used to get a train from parson st station in bemmy to weston to spend the day.Of course we would end up on the pier & ride the silver or gold rocket to the pavilion & spend a few hrs there.Older people will remember the figure 8 rollercoaster.Many good times & happy memories sad it's gone,one day a phoenix will rise from it's ashes

jessica
going on the pier with my friends and going on the train it was great , shame its burnt down!!!

Judith
I hope they re-built the pier just how it was.when I was young we went on the bus from Bristol to spend our pocket money on the slot machines. My father always used to tell us to hold onto our money, as he had dropped his pennies through the planks and they had fallen into the mud. I told my children the same story and hopefully it will be rebuilt so my granchildren can enjoy it to.

Mark
Me and my family are regulars to WSM and all loved the pier. We look forward to it being rebuilt.P.S to Im happy: grow up!

henry
im a kid so i no alot about the pier and im so sad that it ws destroyed.as it burnt down so did the happy memories from everyone.but theywill always be with us

henry
im a kid so i no alot about the pier and im so sad that it ws destroyed.as it burnt down so did the happy memories from everyone.but theywill always be with us

Michael
Im as sad about the pier being destoryed as the next person, however im sure we should be talking about fundraising to rebuild it. It was owned privately, and they will recieve insurance money to rebuild it. We should not be asked or feel obliged to donate money to rebuild a privately owned building.p.s. i hope they rebuild it exactly as it was.

Marlene
Very, Very sad to lose such a structure. As a visitor from Canada I marvelled at the beauty of the pier. Please rebuild it!

Adrian
I have spent many hours (and pounds) playing the Slots on Weston Pier - an annual dayout was not the same without spending a few quid on the penny falls- The Pier MUST be rebuilt on the same designs as the one we have lost it is the HEART of Weston a great British seaside institution. I look forward to returning to Weston and enjoying a fun filled day when the pier has been rebuilt - Until then I guess I must visit Minehead ( A real 2nd best )

Laura
It is devastating that the pier is now gone, many memeories have come from going on there. I think that it should be returned to its former glory not being made too modern. At the same time maybe we could get Birnbeck sorted so that both piers can be used as they were originally designed for.

Jo S
So sad! At least no one was injured but it is a great tragedy for Weston and our wonderful country.

liz whelan
iv never been before until the 19th july, 2008 for t4 on the beach. me and friends had an amazuingt ime in the pier- and i can't believe its burnt down only a week later! :-(

ryan p
ive spent alot of time there, without weston pier, westons nouthing really now. RIP :-(

Margaret
I spent my teen years in Weston ..and on the pier the bumpers..what the butler saw.. and buying a stick of peppermint rock..what lovely days..please rebuild soon..I am now living in Canada.

Katie
Ive spend many evenings walking along the pier with my boyfriend waiting and wathcing the sunset ... then blowing a bit of money on slot machines ... all of which make up unforgetable memories! just because the pier has gone dont let it dampen your spirits .. our memories live on an we as a comunity will see thats its restored better than ever .. am i correct?!

ben parker
i think that the weston pier was a great attraction to weston and i think that it needs to be rebuilt because it was a very nice place to go and weston wouldnt be weston without the pier but then i think that shouldnt stop people from going to weston weston is still a great place to go and have a great daywe need to rasie some money to rebuilt the pier and make sure that somethink is done about it so it doesnt happen again.hope the pier is rebuilt as soon as possible and things can get back to normal.

ann
Neither 'Victorian' or 21st centuary - but 1930's as it had just been restored to - it works!

Niall
I went on a school trip there and it was fun

bethany
I have an idea to raise money to build a new pier as this pier was a famous tourist contraction, it wil be a shame to get rid of it when raising money can bring it back to life.

jenny
its like losing a part of the family,i feel the need to grief.

Andrew
With all the people arriving in Weston to have a look at the pier, why not sell postcards as a fund raiser to rebuilding it?

im happy
it was ****

Cameron
We need to remember it isn't the council that owns the Grand Pier. The council should re-build the Tropicana, but the Grand Pier and Birnbeck are privatley owned.

Cameron
We need to remember it isn't the council that owns the Grand Pier. The council should re-build the Tropicana, but the Grand Pier and Birnbeck are privatley owned.

Linda
So many happy memories with grandparents,mum & dad & my own children. My nan laughed till she cried at the funny mirrors & on the ghost train. Please build it similar to the original & not a modern monstrosity. How about a pier fund? I'm sure lots of people would gratefully give a donation for the enjoyment they have had over the years on this lovely pier.

ALI M
The pier was fun, Weston will not be the same without one. Please rebuild it, and don't take too long.

Nikita
Please rebuild it to its former glory. It won't be the same as the old pier but Weston wouldn't be Weston without the pier. I've spent many happy times on this pier as a little girl with my family and with my nan. Stay loyal to the design of the pier.

Molly
Completely gutted & in total shock. So many memories on that pier. Rebuild it!

Matt Jones
The pavilion should be rebuilt as it was - no major re-design, neither inside or out.Both simple and elegant.

Amy
The pier should be rebuilt. I have many childhood memories of the pier and still enjoyed visiting to this day. It is so devistating to see what has happened, as many peoples livelihoods, jobs etc have also been destroyed. The pier should be rebuilt so more memories can be made for everyone and Weston can re-live up to its reputation of the pier once again!

Jill
It's so sad that the pier has been lost, we were only there a couple of weeks ago and had a lot of fun and laughter on the pier. I felt very choked seeing it on fire. I sincerely hope the owners are true to their word and restore it back to its former glory. We'll be back to Weston on holiday next summer regardless.

Nicky B
I really hope they rebuilt the pier. We come down every year with our daughter and spends ages playing the slots and mooching around the pier, looking at the gorgeous views. I love the little train ride up and down. It's so sad what's happened. Let's hope it's not too long before a new pavillion takes the place of the old one.

Matt Jones
These days Weston-super-Mare is a dump of the very highest order, its only saving grace was the excellent Pier and the Pavilion at the end - the Pavilion has now gone, and Weston becomes an even more depressing and soulless place than it was before.

Jane
Would it be a good idea to ask the BBC to hold a competition for a design for the pier? Could we not buy bolds to help? I am so sorry for all the people who work there. It has been one of my memories from childhood, in my second home.

Doreen Gallienne
As a Somerset girl most of my courting days nearly 40 years ago was spent on the "Pier" it brings back wonderful memories to my husband and I myself - we loved the place

Toddy
Come West country. The pier is a must for all at Weston. We as a family have visited there for 35 years and love the place. Re-build and don't leave it like Tropicana.

Nick
Happy Days - donkey rides in the mud in the shadow of the pier. I was fascinated by the old sunken wreck you could see off the pier walkway and then go into the magical world of the arcade. Very sad. But let us hope the owner puts it back to its former glory.

Rosetta Rothacker
Hello,I was so sorry to hear about the pier in Weston.When I grew up in Hotwells in Brunswick Placethat was the yearly treat to go to Weston, it was years ago that my home was torn down also to put in the motorway ( freeway ).I have lived here in Phoenix, Arizona for 40years.So now my home and favorite holiday place are gone.I left England in 1946 I am now 80 I doubt if I would still be around if it was not for the wonderful sunshine in Arizona and the great sunrises and sunsets which I love to photograph.I expect you might hear from many old English folksabout this sad event. Best wishes to you.

bethii
it has to be rebuilt because i have loads of good memeriories going there when i was young with my next door neighborsplease re build it the way it was!

emily
it should be re-bilt because it is such a lovelly pier. theres so many amusmants for kids and adults.

mike keeble
yes rebuild put a ferris wheel out over the end and dodgem cars and a couple of shuttle cars on tracks over the sides from the gate to the arcade maybe put a zoo on there too

Linda Davey
I grew up in Weston and now live in California. My brother emailed me the news and sent photos. I am so sad and feel a great sense of loss. The pier was central to my childhood and teen years. I hope they rebuild and make sure it has the same sense of history and charm as before.

Louise
At least my teen memories of spending time on the pier with friends will survive. Looking forward to a bigger and better pier!

Louise
At least my teen memories of spending time on the pier with friends will survive. Looking forward to a bigger and better pier!

Pete Seaton
I have lived in Weston-super-Mare for 37 years (but although I am leaving to move to Ireland in less than 3 weeks) I would never such a disaster happening to the pier again, i have overlooked it out my window for the past 26 years and now i shall miss the green lights in the corner of my eye even more now, weston's jewel in the crown has gone and only hope one day when I return it will be rebuilt and looks as good as it was and not a planners monstrosity like other projects in weston. Weston knows what it wants, so please listen to the Westonians Mr Planner.

johnny
It is tragedy for weston that this has happened.Maybe this will make the council sit up and realize that they have been killing weston off. It must be rebuilt and for gods sake stop messing around with the tropicana plans and get it built. Make weston the great holiday town it so used to be!

Samantha
Two words, Truly Gutted

Jill T
I am utterly choked by this news. It was on Weston Pier that I first heard the news about Lady Diana and I feel just as bad today as I did then. Could some local acts put on a 'gig' to raise some money towards the piers restoration? I for one would be happy to go to this sort of event.

Phil B
I hope the horse racing game survived the blaze? That game was a peach!

Mandy Moodles
This is completely horrific. And one of the greatest sadnesss Weston has ever had. It's sad to see such a happiness turn into such a grim looking building. We're just thankful that no one was on the Pier when the fire started.Weston Pier is going to be missed by so many people. But like many, I believe we took it for granted, mostly thinking 'we'll visit another time' if you were in Weston Town or the Sea Front. There isn't going to be another time now. The Pier may have gone, but the memories will live on and on forever. That's all we have to remember.Today has just felt surreal.Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this painful chapter. Fingers crossed that it wont be too long before this sad empty skeleton becomes alive with people again.

vikki from weston
we really need 2 re-build the pier it was the heart an soul of this town! the now need 2 stop spending so much money on stupid things like the carrot in the mid of twn an get ther fingers out an give us back are pier!!!!!

Annie Jones, wiltshire
I spent many happy holidays in Weston was a child and we always went on the pier. Walking up, going on ghost train, in the fun-house and playing with the magic mirrors. Brefore taking the train back up the pier. Happy memories. It is so sad to see that the pier has gone.

Lynne Morrod
Re: Loretta Holt. Loretta, we are all pulling together on this one. We are having our First Anniversary in August, if you want to bring your nan down for the weekend she is more than welcome here .... bit of the WW2 sprit!!, i am ex RAF Locking

Christine
I think the pier should be re-built because people have had happy memories and it is the hub of weston and a great meeting place. Please get the pier re-built

John L
Childhood memories of happy holidays (even if the tide was out) gone up in smoke. Rebuild it immediately as it was - with sprinklers !

Christine
I think the pier should be re-built because people have had happy memories and it is the hub of weston and a great meeting place. Please get the pier re-built

Chris - Bristol
I am a frequent visitor of Weston pier, it is sad to see the pier all up in flames, I have had many an enjoyable day on this pier. Please bring back Weston pier even bigger and better!

Doreen
I live in north east France.Having spent many happy moments in Weston as a child I bought a flat there 13 years ago,overlooking the pier.I've just come back from Weston and only a few days ago I walked along it and looked at it in the evenings all lit up from my window.treasured moments for all my family,both old and young.I can't imagine Weston without it.

Vicki, Bristol
I love the pier, we used to take trips down in the summer and spend hours in the arcades, and on my favourite, the ferris wheel! now my boyfriend has ust moved down there, and i begged him to go down on Saturday. i hope he regrets his decision now. get re-built soon!

buzzer
I can't believe it the weston pier is gone and i really hope they rebuild it. I was in London when i heard about the news so i didn't jave a clue what was going on!!

John Berry.
Well it MUST be rebuilt,after all surely Weston Must be the Pier ??.Went there as a kid on Sunday School outings from Stapleton Road Station on the Steam train,what a Magic Day out.Then in later Teens/Twenties drive there in beatup cars wondering if they would make it,what a good honest laugh it all was.THANK GOD the fire happened when it was EMPTY ! !.Dread to think if it had been Full !!.Weymouth might have the better BLUE sea etc,BUT NO PIER.

Phil, Newcastle upon Tyne
So sorry to hear this news today. There are many who would support any appeal to see the pier restored and I would be one of them.

Bradley
my memories of the pier is the arcade its a sad day for Weston.I think it should be rebuilt the same as it was before

Ken
I can't believe it. I'm very saddened by this news indeed. My wife and I have fond memories of the pier. It's where we courted and often danced of an evening to the Team Brick band back in the day. It will be sadly missed.

sylvia brueford
a tragic end to days of pleasure however we are so lucky there were no lives lost . gd lk kerry family &staff we westonians know you can & will bring the grand old lady of weston back we are all behind you with a grander pier .god bless you all

emma w
This mornings images on the news was just tragic! The pier was part of my childhood, and I am truly saddened by its demise. I hope that if it is re-built it captures the same charm as the original.

Paul Curran
I was down there on Sunday, It was so busy on the pier, I thought it must have been like this when it was built. I wonder why it took a onlooker to signal the alarm. A good job no public / people where on. They must rebuild it! Bigger and Better!!!

Lauren C
it was only 4 weeks ago that i went there with my class and then this happned i thought it could be a gd memorie but i guesse ill remember it more now!!!my grandma live in weston and came to weston pier almost every weekend!!!its a sad loss and it will affect a lot of peoples lives!!!: (also my grandad used to come downn the peir all the time before he died but he had the good memories and not the bad ones like this!!!!!:(:(:(:(:(

Ellie
It is a terrible tragedy, I always go to the pier when my family comed to visit. It's also very troubling times for the shop owners to survive during these already troubling times. My heart goes out to the Micheals.

Sheila from Canada
Very sad , my family are from Street and I have spent many a happy time there when I was young.

warren entwistle
i am very sad i realy hope they rebuild it. we go evey good friday play the machines spend our tokens at the shop.

Simon Barlow
I'm not local to Weston but have lived here for a while now, one of the first places my girlfriend took me was the Pier, I'm sure it will be re-built people wont sit there and watch it rot

kat
b uild a new and bete one :D

daniel attard
i always went on the pier everytime i visted weston and that would be the high light of the holiday i think they should rebuild it

Ange
Ive always lived in near weston...and the pier has alwasy been there...and now its gone...there is actually an emptiness feeling in the pit of my stomach...some may say that just silly but it was a main attraction and has many memories!!

dj jack hill
i am dj jack hill the worlds youngest dj from weston age 8, i will miss the pier, i have visited it regularly and have had great times with my family, i hope it gets rebuilt

Jean & Eric Taylor, Keyworth, Nottingham
Very sad to see the TV News of the fire on Weston's pier, This is where we met 57 years ago (1951) on the dodgems. We have returned to Weston many times since and often talked of that first memorable occasion. we realy hope that the pier will be rebuilt and become the attraction we remember so well.

Anon
Have been living abroad since the beginning of the year so I never saw the pier refurbished. My daughter text me this morning to tell me it was destroyed and I could not believe it. So sad, I really hope it will be rebuilt

anon, swindon
I loved this place as a child and I've also took my children on the pier, I'm due to go down again in a few weeks or so, but now without the pier I don't know what to do or where to take them, my children loved the pier. it's a very very sad day and I hope this heritage is replaced sooner rather than later, and Yes it should be re-built

Nez
I have been visiting Western Super Mare since 1975,and The Grand Pier was the main focal point for all my family.I could not believe the images I have seen today.I feel so sorry for the owners,the staff,and the people of Western Super Mare.I hope it is not too long before plans for a new pier are put into place.

Lorna
I like many people from Birmingham see Weston as their second home, There have been a few tears shed here today and our best wishes are sent to the people of Weston today. Please get the pier re-bult.

Rebecca
It really is a terrible loss, the pier was one of the main attractions in Weston. I myself no longer live in Weston but before I moved away we'd always go whenever we had any friends over I also attended the celebration a couple of years ago that the red arrows attended it was such a great day it's so upsetting that this great attraction has been destroyed and I think it should definitely be rebuilt to something even better than it was before

Jennifer
Growing up in Weston the pier is everything - as a child racing down the pier to play on the arcades with your parents strolling behind seeming to take for ever and you wishing they would hurry up, begging them for one last 50p to have another go on the arcade game you will never win but you are convinced that you are close this time and 50p will do the trick!! As a teenager sat in lectures at college dying for lunch when you and your mates would go and get chips on the pier and go on the dodgems. As a young adult on a date having a laugh and finally as a married adult with kids strolling down the pier as they race on ahead urging you to hurry up and begging for one last 50p secretly laughing to yourself remembering how you used to be and finally realising why your parents were so slow walking down the pier enjoying the moment. Its a total circle of life and key to so much of my life for the last 32 years. I cannot emphasise how much we are gutted by this.

Shawn
This is our 9/11.

Don Armour
I still have old black and white photographs from the 1950s, taken by my late father and while I agree that the fire is a tragedy, at least there are no reports of injuries or deaths.Give the speed with which the fire took hold, I dread to think what the story might have been had the pier been packed with holidaymakers and locals.Yes, of course the pier should be rebuilt, it's an icon, but after two fires, how about factoring in fire safety early on in the process.

Sophie Claughton, Taunton
My memories of the pier have always been happy ones, i just cant believe its gone. Ever since i was young i can remember the arcades and donkey's. I hope it gets re-built as many people would sadly miss a great day out without it!

Chris in Plymouth
I was born and raised in nearby Bristol and have many happy memories of the Grand Pier. It feels like part of my childhood went up in smoke too. My best wishes to all in dear old Weston.

Jordon Harrup
Cause it should be re-built its the most iconic place in western super mare..

sarah
what a tragedy. i spent many weekends in weston with my family as a kid and it always resulted in a trip down the pier. The only good thing is that no one was killed or injured.

Daniel James
I feel really dissapointed. It was one of my most fave places to go in the world, and I wanted to go back, but now, I can't because it's burnt down. :(I wish it never burnt down.

emma sheeran
such a shame something like this should happen we love to go to wsm as it is a loverly part of the country it just won't be the same without the grand pier.

Joan
The pier must be rebuilt, i feel so sorry for every one in Weston. Let's hope that lots of people will visit to have a look and spend their money in the town

Claire and Rich Ellis
We are from the Midlands and are both gutted to see the pictures of the pier, we were only down there last weekend. we do hope the pier is rebuilt, but this will not stop us from returning to this wonerful seasie town.

Ian from Ramsgate
I was born in weston & its a very sad day i hope it can rebuilt very soon

Claire P
Of course it should be re-built. Why shouldn't it, it was a going concern. I've been going on the pier all my life, lots of fond memories. I know I will be taking my own children on there one day too. Hopefully to be playing 'Beat the Clock' once again.

willis
i feel very sad and upset that the pier has been burnt down weston is not weston without the nice pier and im absolutly gutted!!!!!!the grand pier is the main attractions of weston super mare i really hope the peir get rebulit i love the pier and i hope thant is not the last of it and the new go carts was the best and it hold loads and loads of beautiful memeries my school allways go to vist it i love the pier

Robert Teasdale
The pier has always been an integral part of the Weston sea front and it must be re-built as soon as possible. The thought of Weston without a pier is unthinkable

kayleigh
gutted its gone went there every year with school and always had a good day on the pier i was only there 2 weeks ago with my 3yr old and he loved it was thinking about going back next week.

jess
i loved it when i was a little girl going butn only get 10 2 ps and when your 2 ps are gone thats it for the day

Fred Sturman
It's only Pier it can be rebuilt. Memories of my late wife Patsy is all I have now, memories of her wizzing around on a go-cart laughing her head off at the end of the pier.

Loretta Holt
I have been going to weston since i was a baby and so have all my family members it is destroying to see it in this state. My nan is now 85 and is unable to go far for her holiday and weston was her only get away for week now she feels like she will not be able to go down again as it will upset her way too much.I feel sorry for the older members of the population as they have known it there so much longer so my thoughts go out to them.I just hope it can be reconstructed but still it will never be the same :(

Jade
R.I.P Pier Every One Will Miss You :( Y Did This Have To Happen? hope It Will Be Back On It's Legs Very Soon!!!!!

kevin
weston pier was amazing i come from kent loved going on the pier and yes it will be rebuilt i notice west country people stick together and there proud of the pier long live weston pier

jenny golding
i grew up in bristol my childhood days was spent on the pier with my parents and sibblings must admit this have made me sad i took my son to weston as a child i have pictures of him on the pier haveing fun i will still vist weston but the pier was an attraction and it will rise from the ashes to be in its former glory

ANDREW DUNNE
im very sad to see part of our history burnt in seconds i hope its not long to see it up and runnig

Odessa from Swindon
RE:- ANDY 'Sad to see it go but in tears?? get some perspective!!!!!' Now is not the time for backbiting comments, so many people have lost a part of their childhood memories today, and the heritage of Weston Super Mare has been lost forever, yes a new pier can be rebuild but sadly we now live in the 21st century so even the proposed new structure will lack its historical charm.The fire not only destroyed the pier but it has also saddened peoples' holidays and their dreams of taking future generations to this seaside attraction. I believe the event of today will leave many holidaymakers traumatised.

Taz
Of course it should be rebuilt. The Pier really made Weston Super Mare! And it really made you feel like you were at a proper old fashioned seaside resort! THE PIER WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES AGAIN!!!

Andy
I'm sddened by this terrible news, but may be this is a chance to rebuild the pier(s) and the tropicana and make Weston a modern 21st Century resort. Forget the obsession with trying to recreate the Victorian resort.

nic p
I think that it is devastating that the pier has gone. Me and my family went there ever week to play on the rides and my favourite 1 was the jumping jack 1. If it was someone who set the pier on fire then they have made everyones life bad coz they had so much there. I THINK THEY SHOULD RE-BUILD IT. IF NOT I WIL NOT BE HAPPY.

Jazz
Such fond memories of a great attraction, something that young children will never get to experience now. Many a day trip spent there, nothing better than walking up to the arcades, playing the 2p machines and walking back down to have a bag of doughnuts. I hope this wont be it for weston, I hope it could be rebuilt.

Megan Carr
it a very sad day. Watching the breaking news about weston Pier burning down was like watching childhood memories in flames. Every time we went to see my Nanna, we would walk past and if we were really good and our parents had the money, we were aloud some pocket money to spend how we pleased. We used to beg our parents to let us in and pin our hopes if going on the helter skelter. I loved that place and the joy it brough to hundreds of people daily. It should be rebuilt without a doubt.

linda mccormick
really sad, spent many times there as a kid, and taking my own kids there :(

lesley box
I' am so very sorry to see the photo's of the pier, I have very fond memories of walking along the pier when I was a child visiting my auntie in weston-super-mare. I hope that someone will restore it again to the glory that it deserves to be and not left to fall into the sea like Brighton West Pier. Please don't let that happen. Yours Lesley Box

Amber Jayne
I Can't Believe it. I Used To love going up there, i won a teddy bear up there last week on T4OnTheBeach. It was There for 100 Years, i feel so sorry for the owners :(

Katja, Bristol
The Pier and Weston was so important to us that we decided to made it part of our wedding last November. We booked a bus that took us and our guests to Weston and it stopped right in front of the gate. Our best pictures were taken there. I am deeply saddened.

Emma
I am absolutely devastated, so many memories, can't believe it, going to be missed, I walked along the pier last week after T4 so glad i had the chance to do that just sad its the last time, hope theres going to be a rebuild, although it was priceless and won't ever be the same :'( .

Nicole
I was thinking the other day that it would be lovely to take my son to Weston in the school holidays to play on the beach and go on the pier again. I spent a couple of weeks every summer in Weston as a child and I loved the pier. I took my own son a number of occasions and we always had a great time. It's so sad that it's gone, it was a real landmark. I hope they rebuild it.

Rob, Barrow-in-Furness
Gutted... many happy memories as a child. Better than Blackpool and Brighton piers in my honest opinion. Will rise again i'm sure, it must!

daniel
we went on holiday and that was a great arcade

Ian, Gloucester
Such a tragic event - many, like myself, have fond childhood memories of being on Weston Pier. Even if it is rebuilt, it wont be the same will it? Another glorious icon of Britains past gone without trace ..

Jonathan Smith
I moved away from Weston many years ago but I can not begin to describe the gut wrnching feeling I had when I clicked on the BBC News website: a piece of my childhood now lies in ruins. So many memories came flooding back it took me a long time to get my head around to opening my pub. Despite recent comments by certain celebrites, Weston was once "super" and I only hope that this awful tragedy will turn into a positive with either the rebuilding of what was the centrepiece for Weston or something equally attractive to locals and tourists alike. My heart goes out to the new owners.

abbie
hi i think its really sad i went there on saturday and the pier was brilliant weston wont be weston without it!!!!! i did the rock wall and i was lucky that i went there when i did!

scott Sunderland
Oh dear, I went there when I was 9 years old when we went with relatives in cheddar, but now its gone, it seems like the end of an era! :(

Matt from Bristol
I hope they re-build it, I have been so much and my little one loves it there. Build it back and fast.. I hope this is an eye opener to the council, Weston needs its history..... Sort the tropicana centre and stop arguing ! and while your at it the old pier.

Ray Parker
Just heard a massive rain and thunderstorm on its way, could have done with that this morning

Richard.
The pier was a good attraction once when I was younger and I’m sure I would have taken my children there. But let’s face it Weston does not have much going for it, unless you are at retirement age. The re-development of the Tropicana seems like it has stalled forever. The pier should be rebuilt of course, but Weston needs to think a bit harder.

maggie buse
Childhood memories in the Fifties of days out at Weston (coming from Bristol, days out were what our summer holidays were - no two weeks abroad for us) What memories have come flooding back today - that wonderful old pier where we would end up the day - having procurred a few pennies (literally) from family members - the highlight of the day was the slot machines on the pier. Also searching underneath for money dropped from above.Now the pier that I knew and my parents also knew has gone forever. I hope that it will be rebuilt, but it won't be the same planks of wood that my parents trod on or railings that they leant on. A very sad day.

Lewlog Moley
We've (My Family and I) have only been there a few times but my Grandparents have been there many a times. I will miss the pier if we go there again and yes I would like it to b rebuilt!

Michelle - WSM
A sad day for Weston. My children loved visiting the pier. I hope it can be re-built. In my view the council need a swift kick up the backside. They've left the Tropicana and Birnbeck Pier to rot for too long! If nothing is done Weston will decline further! Is that what they want????

lee varndell
i live in taunton and have been visiting the pier all my life and have had lots of happy memories their very sad to see it gone

Charlotte, Weston-super-Mare
It truly is a great loss for weston. I have many great memories of visiting the pier in the summer. The majority of people who worked there were friends, which made it all the more fun to go to, and all the more upsetting that it's gone. I hope that it does get rebuilt (asap) and doesn't end up like so much of the other attractions in weston, neglected! Here's hoping!

Lily
I am absolutely gutted!! The Grand Pier is the main attraction for Weston Super Mare!! I always go there atleast 3 times in any school holidays. I really hope that the pier is rebuilt. If the steel frame supporting pier can survive a fire and manage to stay up, then i think that it is safe enough to be rebuilt. I love the pier and I hope we havn't seen the last of it!

anon
my thoughts are with the Brenner family, the pier had been their life for so many years, i'm sure the Michaels will do everything to re-build it...

Paulette Watts
It is so sad to see the pier burnt down. It holds so many memories for me when i was a child and the fact on Saturday i took my 21 month old son on Saturday. He loved it. Now it is gone, we can only hope that this amazing landmark that created so much happiness for so many people will be 1 day rebuilt. WSM will not be the same until the pier returns.!!

dave
I WAS REALLY SAD TO HERE ABOUT THE PIER BEEN THERE A FEW TIMES OVER MY CHILDHOOD YEARS I HOPE IT CAN BE REBUILT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS A GREAT LOST

Tony The Driver, Brislington.
As a coach driver I have been bringing folk to Weston for nearly twenty years now.For all the bad press about the seafront developments at Weston, one thing that has always stood there as an emblem of Weston's past, present and future has been the pier. The number of passengers I have asked, "Did you go on the pier? Did you ride the dodgems?" I've pushed little, old ladies and gents in their wheelchairs up and down the length of the pier hundreds of times - it was nearly a way of life.And now, it's gone. What an absolute tragedy of the first order.The last time this happened it was rebuilt in three years. I bet it's going to be a lot longer then three years this time but rebuilt it should be! Here's hoping to see it rebuilt in my lifetime.

Tracey Wiltshire
Really sad day. My kids loved going to Weston, just to go on the pier. I spent many days of my childhood in Weston for days out, such great memories and such a sad loss.

nancy
What a terrible loss for Weston, only 2 weeks ago my partner and I strolled along the pier, sat and had an ice cream as you do, and I chatted to one of the security guards about how lovely and clean and comfortable it was, Weston holds childhood days out memories for me, and my 84 year old mother just loves the pier, its a sad sad loss.Im gutted

Diane
We at www.seasidehistory.co.uk were extremely saddened to hear the news about Weston- super-Mare's pier - thank goodness no-one was injured or killed.Without a doubt, the pier should be rebuilt. May we urge holidaymakers still to visit Weston-super-Mare and give the local community (B & Bs, hotel, cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues etc) our support. Our sympathies to all those affected by the fire.

Adam Thomas - Breakfast Presenter, BBC Somerset
I'm a Westonian born and bred. I said on the programme this morning that I could count on three fingers the amount of times I have gasped live on-air. Today was one of those when I saw the pictures of the pier.Now having been there and seen it for myself it's certainly brought a lump to my throat....because despite the fact it's had millions of visitors over the years....it's MY pier and I think all Westonians will know what I mean!Dodgems, the house of fun, the ghost train, air hockey and the best hot doughnuts anywhere ever. What's happened is so sad.........a major part of my childhood has gone, perhaps temporarily, but in this guise forever!!It's now a time where Weston needs to live up to it's motto Ever Forward!

Laura.
I went to the pier twice with my friends last year, and was thinking after T4 on the beach, last sunday, just how beautiful it is. Ofcourse it show be rebuilt!

Jane
I was going to take my cousins grandaughter there today.She lives in a deprived home and was really excited.it's awfully sad.

Clair
I was planning to bring my daughter down this week, she loved the pier and it featured strongly for us every summer over the last four years, with her asking 'can we go to the pier?' every time we visit my parents caravan at WSM. It is a piece of history - last year we visited the NE Somerset museum in the town and had a great day learning about the history of the seaside town. I really hope the pier will rise from the ashes, as there are too few traditional seaside attractions left now.

Caroline from Swindon.
I agree with Stephanie it has been a morning of tears, I so wanted to take my daughter down what was my memory lane of years gone by, having told her so much about it and the happy holidays I and my late mother spent there together, now sadly my child will not have this 'Grand' experience and the joy of treading the boards of this fine structure, a huge part of my life has gone today,I have many photos,but nothing beats the real thing.

Kyoto Wolf
Went to this pier when I was really small with my family, really was a good day. Its sad to think that, now like so many other things that have been lost over time. The gen gen of children will not be able to enjoy it.

Alan Wilson
I am a Scot now living in the US, what is my connection to the Weston Pier?My technical training was in nearby RAF Locking. To myself and quite a few of my peers ;) the pier was the place to go at weekends to get a break from military discipline and relax.Looking at the pictures has brought back memories of a lovely town and great local people. I hope they rebuild, but piers are so prone to fire and storm damage.

tracey
I Live in Weston and was only on it yesterday.it was the main focal point of Weston, what have we got now?A closed old pier, a closed Tropicana, half of the beach is cordoned off at the moment and now a burned down pier.Not good for holiday makers and townsfolk alike.so sad.

tracey
I Live in Weston and was only on it yesterday.it was the main focal point of Weston, what have we got now?A closed old pier, a closed Tropicana, half of the beach is cordoned off at the moment and now a burned down pier.Not good for holiday makers and townsfolk alike.so sad.

Paul in Swindon
This is, or was, the home of many childhood memories for many of us who grew up with WSM being the nearest sea-side town! I last visited the Pier last summer and it brought back all the memories. Even the sounds of the ghost train unlocked flashbacks of the past. It will be a sorely missed piece of history and I hope that it is rebuilt!

Katie McQuillan
I loved going on the pier when I was a child and also later years as a teenager. I definitely think they should rebuild it. Weston wouldn't be the same without it.

Gordon
Whilst im shocked and saddened about today's news and feel that a part of my childhood has died with the fire- I am thankful that it should be able to be rebuilt at some stage in the near future. That said it is an awful and very sad day.

Sara Bennett
Such a shame the heart of weston super mare after the tropicana closed its doors

Dan
Im Really upset by this. I was on there only a couple of weeks ago with my wife and kids. I agree with Stephanie that this historic building should be restored in it's original format but make it bigger and better. Even extend the end of the pier to make this happen. Who knows 2010 maybe? but A really sad day for all who loved the pier.

Ron, Weston
I remember running into the back of an attendant at the age of 5 on the mini-dodgems, something I am still reminded of to this day. There are pictures with every generation of my family on the pier, and it hurts to see it in this state. It was an iconic structure and the sooner it is back up and running, the better, for the tourists and for the folk of Weston.

cameron beames
my memories are-walking into the pier and smeeling the donuts-hearing the laughter of happy childeren-feeling the excitment walking along the pier- having fun and not caring who is looking at youthere are many more but they are my favourite cam aged 13

Bridget Banwell
My partner and I were in shock this morning at hearing the news, we were only on the pier yesterday enjoying ourselves ,and we both said Mr Michael had really got it right. Can't believe it

Mark
I was on the pier yesterday with my two chidren eating candy floss. We didn't go all the way down to the pavillion, as we were planning another visit during the hoidays to play on the amusements. That won't happen now of course. Very sad, but I am pleased that no-one was hurt. I dread to think of the carnage if it had happened yesterday afternoon at peak visiting times.

Carys Davies
Weston pier should ber re built it is Wesron's main attraction and the town wouldn't be able to attract the same amount of tourism without it. We need our pier to keep Weston alive.

Andy
Sad to see it go but in tears?? get some perspective!!!!!

Mark Allen
This breaks my heart. My hometown has been allowed over a long period of time to become tired and rundown. Council run attractions have been boarded up and left derelict. Much loved family favourites have been allowed to rot. The Grand Pier was the only attraction to resist this slide. Lovingly cared for by the Brenner family and recently the Michaels. It was the gem of the town. I hope this galvanises the town and it's people to restore our Grand Pier and with it, hopefully the council will eventually pull it's socks up and give us, once again, a town to be proud of.

Pete Penfold
I have many fond memories of the pier at Weston but none will stand out more than the video I took of it yesterday afternoon whilst filming Tim Pitmans magical Concert at the Royal Hotel. An absolutely fantastic day only to be followed by such a tragedy. Lets hope she rises out of the waters once again soon.

james
the grand pier famous place of the west country i remember the last time i went there was with my dad just before he died never gonna forget that day and all the other times being there what a shame

Martyn Warwick
I went to school at Weston Grammar and back in 1962 and 1963, when I was 16 and 17 years old and in the sixth form I worked (with loads of schoolmates) for two successive summer holidays on the pier. Once on the dodgems and another time on the hall of mirrors and the fun house. Great time, good money loads of girls and happy memories.These days I live in London and don't get to Weston more than about once a year but part of the sentimental journey, until today, was always to revisit the pier.It's a terrible shame what has happened today and yes, of course it should be rebuilt. Like many others I can't imagine Weston without the Grand Pier and it's loss is sure to have an impact on visitor numbers.The pier must be insured so let's hope something is done quickly and a phoenix can rise from the ashes. If it ends up as a rusting pile of girders like the long-gone west pier in Brighton it will be a disaster.OK so Weston was not a Grade 1 listed building like Clevedon pier but it has to be rebuilt. And, finally, will this perhaps sharpen people's appreciation of what they have, what they take for granted and just how fragile it all is? And, will someone now please do something about Birnbeck Pier before that too goes the way of all flesh, and wood, and iron and.....

bry knapp
I can't believe it. Part of my childhood is gone. Its so shocking. Im shocked and devastated.

Barbara Oliver
We were so sad to hear of the fire at the pier today, it was only last Thursday that my husband,daughter and 2 grand-children and myself were there enjoying the rides and of course the 2p (which I always limit to £1.00)machines. Now all that has gone in such a short time and our sympathy must go not only to the new owners but to all the staff,the suppliers and Weston itself which could suffer greatly from it's loss.

mark weech
Yes the pier should be rebuilt and hopefully it will be done before the tropicana opens! Weston needs that pier back open for business ASAP

Stuart
I live in Weston and agree with Stephanie's feelings with regards to re-building the pier. Unfortunately, Weston council's total ineptitude surrounding the Tropicana redevelopment just fills me with pessimism. This can be turned into a good thing or it can be a disaster for the town, we can only wait and see.

Mike Harding
This is just so sad. I am a resident of Weston and have been at work this morning in Bristol watching events unfold on the web and have been pretty close to tears at times. Losing the pier will take much of the heart out of Weston and my heart goes out to the new owners after all the effort they have clearly put in to renovating it over the last few months, and also to all the people who work on it.What is 100% clear to me though is it has to be rebuilt and soon,. The pier represents what Weston is all about, it is critical for the town and the traders here. Please, please please town council et al let’s not have another Tropicana fiasco here where it is left in ruins for years while we have endless arguments about what should replace it. Its an incredibly sad day, but we have to believe that something good can come out of this for both the town and the pier.

leanna
i was only on the pier yesterday with my family, we were shocked to wake up this morning at the site of the smoke from the pier which we could see from unity farm campsite in brean.

MJC
Having been on the pier only yesterday, I can honestly say it brought back some fond memories of growing up, whilst creating a whole host of new memories at the same time. We cannot let The Grand Pier suffer the fate of our other famed attractions, it must be re-built but with an emphasis on the future. Weston without a pier is like Blackpool without its tower, it just wouldn't be right!!

helena smith
I remember happy times when i was little with my parents and my brothers and sister.I realy feel for all the staff that would have been working today.what devastation on this day of the 28th of july 2008.

helena smith
I remember happy times when i was little with my parents and my brothers and sister.I realy feel for all the staff that would have been working today.what devastation on this day of the 28th of july 2008.

Dawn Bearman
Grand Pier on fireHave you heard the news today?There’s a fire on Weston Pier,The buildings have all gone, they sayMy Gran will shed a tear.Grandad proposed to her up thereOn a day so long ago,But now it’s burning fiercelyOh, what a tale of woe!.It’s a sunny summer morningAnd the blue skies stained with smoke,When my Son told me it was burningI thought it was a joke,But along the Weston seafrontSirens shriek, and blue lights flashAs the Police force and the FiremenAct out their mercy dash.But there’s nothing they can do, I fearThe flames they leap so highOne hundred feet, I heard someone say,We don’t know the reason why.Since 1904 the old Grand PierHas stood at Weston’s heartLoved and visited by millions,Where countless holidays start.I used to go there every yearWith my Mum, when I was smallAnd look through the gaps, at the beach beneathWhere we chased my bright beach-ball.Fish and chips, or candy-flossThe memories returnBut now the crowds stand silentlyAs we watch the Pavilion burn.Dawn Bearman. 28th July 2008

Richard Harrold
Clearly, this is a sad loss to the town and its people - a lot of people will have many fond memories of the place. However, what I have seen of the pier pre-fire suggests an architecturally undistinguished building: what the BBC has also neglected to report is that it only dates back to the 1930s - its predecessor was also destroyed by fire. If the pier is to be rebuilt, I would suggest that the original Victorian design be revisited.

Graham Pugh
This is a sad event, and Weston really needs to get its act together now, the Tropicana and Birnbeck Pier have been derelict too long - all three need to be rebuilt in a striking, modern style to make Weston into a 21st Century attraction - not left to rot and turn Weston into another lifeless ex-resort like New Brighton, Burnham etc. One of the piers should become a trendy cafe/club/shopping/cinema venue like the Watershed in Bristol or Tiger Bay in Cardiff - it would do great business.

T.J
Oh its devastating, so many lovely childhood memories, being given a shilling to change for pennies and having so much fun, Weston pier was such a ovely treat when we were kids, we felt so lucky living near a seaside resort. Had my first grown up date on the pier on a Sunday afternoon. The lovely evening sunsets. I am like so many others heartbroken.

Etty King
My Husband,Daughter & myself were on the pier just last night after a lovely day at Weston,My 4 yr old daughter had a awonderful time on there,& i got up to the news & felt deeply saddened this morning,I really hope they will rebuild it,Its just so very sad,I cant believe we were enjoying out time there just a few hours before it closed for the last time...

Dan Kilpatrick
Westons only decent attraction and now its gone. Things were looking up since it had been revamped. A very sad day for Weston indeed.

Derek Flint
I visit Weston regular for a weekend or even a day out from London.The trip would be nothing without a walk along the pier with my bag of chips and now it is sadly gone.YES, it must be rebuilt. It is an icon of the town.

Swindoneric
How very, very sad. I spent many a happy day at WSM in my childhood, and we visited 2 years ago with some Bristolian friends while down south from Scotland. The pier didn't seem to have changed at all, which made the day a great trip down memory lane. I hope that it is rebuilt as the focal point of a lovely town.

Naomi
The peir was a fantastic place to go. I have many memories of my own childhood and more recently with my own children. Weston will never be the same again. Thoughts are with the Micheals, who have dedicated time and money into making sure Weston's Peir was 'well on the map'.

sianed, penarth
Like so many people in South Wales, I have fond memories of childhood holidays in Weston which always began with the excitement of a trip across the channel on a Campbell's steamer from the old Pierhead at Cardiff or the pier at Penarth. In more recent years I have looked across the channel to the lights of Weston pier on many an evening from my home on Penarth seafront, remembering the amusements we enjoyed there as children. So sad to think of it disappearing so catastrophically. I do hope it can be rebuilt.

Rich Bond
It's a shame that a local icon is gone, probably by hand of some stupid chav! If the Tropicana is anything to go by, we won't see anything to replace for at least 10 years.

Jack
Awful news, i hope we re-build it and make it the best pier in the uk. What a loss.

Leanne Huges
I am so upset to see such an iconic, beautiful building go up in flames. I remember many happy memories spent on here with my family and it's a shame we now can't relive them.Guess we'll just have to remember it for how it was, and how many people it made happy.

Vicki
What am i going to do now....where else will i waste hundreds of ten p's on a weekend :( Here's hoping they decide to rebuild

Stuart Edworthy
Growing up in the area, going to the Grand Pier with my grandparents was about as good as it could get! Riding the little train up there, eating pick n' mix, armed with pocketfulls of 10p coins. A real shame.

Carl Jukes
Me and my family were on the pier just last Wednesday we had a fantastic time as usual and commented on all the new attractions on there since last time we went in May. i hope they rebuild it

Harry Lawrence
My sister went there for t4 on the beach!

DB
I liek in weston and i just saw the grand pier destroyed in 2hours after being up for over 100 years. So sad to see it go down after i was in there just about 20 hours ago on the machine with my friends

Jade
I am quit upset because of the pier burning down I go there every year we were planning on going to the pier this year but we can't now. I do think people should re-build it but it won't be the same.

Emma James
A Great shame for Weston! It does make me wonder how long the burnt skeleton will be there for. At least its privately owned so hopefully they'll start re-building soon - unlike the Council who are still fighting over the Tropicana!It will be sadly missed by many.

Zarah Taylor
i remember 2 years ago i was on that peir. it could be great if it couyld re-bulid because me and my family were looking fowerd to going on it this year!:(

Georgina
When I saw the pictures of the pier in flames I could do nothing but cry. So many childhood memories of hours spent eating fresh doughnuts on the boardwalk in the rain and wind and then sheltering in the arcade, playing games with my friends and our hard-earned pocket money. I hope they rebuilt it in the original design and don't go modern. It is a historical landmark and should be treated as such.I just hope that the fire was not caused intentionally, for that would be even more heart-breaking for so many mourning the loss of an old friend.

james stanley
It will be missed by lots of Brummies who think of W-S-M as their second home... very sad day for Birmingham too.

Nicola Morrisey, Weston
I drove past the pier at 6.45 this morning and black smoke was coming from the restaurant area of the pier. Such a shame that our pier has gone.

Nina Greaves, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset
I live close to the sea front and heard sirens unusually early just after 7am. The sirens just kept on coming, and as I left the house I saw the billowing cloud of smoke and it stopped me in my tracks. I feel really sad this local landmark is no longer standing, everyone loves the pier, it's tradition to walk along the pier in the summer, even if you live here, you never tire of it's attraction. I hope that a rebuild plan gets underway as soon as possible, Weston's skyline is empty without a pier.

Neil, Weston Super Mare
I was woken by a series of explosions that sounded like large fireworks. From where I live I overlook the pier and it burned from the North East tower and spread so quickly that it is now (1 1/2 hours later) almost completely burned out. most of the superstructure is gone and molten metal is dropping into the mud below. Weston has lost its last major attraction.

James Wilmot
Just like everyone else in Weston, I worked on there in my youth and had a great time. I was out there on Saturday with my family and we all commented about its bright future with new owners. It was a desperate shame to watch it fall, but these things happen and I hope it gets rebuilt very soon. My fear is that the Tropicana proposals will now be fast tracked to attend to draw in tourists - a development which is fatally flawed.

Sue Powell, Bridgwater
I work at Hinkley Point and can see the smoke from the fire from my office window - it's been burning for hours. There is a huge plume of smoke stretching right across the channel. It's terribly sad.

Nicki
I have lived in Weston for the last 28 years and have grown up with many memories on the pier. It was devastating to see the pier burning as i drove past this morning; it shall be greatly missed.

Elaine Parker, Weston-super-Mare
I heard via a friend that the pier was on fire, I drove down to the seafront to see. What a scene - the smoke was hundreds of feet in the air. It was very emotional for all the locals, we have all got stories of visiting the pier.

Danni, Weston-super-Mare
I am truly shocked about the pier. It is really sad. I went and looked at it this morning before I came to work and it was so sad to see it blazing and burning down. I have so many memories there and now all I can see of it is smoke from my office window.

Tzanti, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
I walked past the scene about ten minutes ago. The fire crews have been spraying water from the end of the walkway on to the main pier structure. They have laid a hose along the road, apparently from Knightstone. It amazes me that a big red fire engine with lights and sirens going comes down the road, and the gawkers need police and fire crews to tell them to get out of the way! There were several loud pops while I was watching. As they launch fireworks from the end of the pier in summer, I imagine that would be the reason.

Simon Crocker, Congresbury, North Somerset
My family live in Congresbury, about eight miles from Weston-super-Mare, and when we opened the curtains this morning to see the beautiful countryside of North Somerset, we were greeted by the sight of thick smoke across the skyline. It's a sad sight, and a sad story. Since 1904, Weston Pier has been a huge attraction, at the heart of North Somerset, and now it's gone.

Rachel Price, Newport, Wales
I could see the cloud of smoke from the Severn bridge driving into work this morning. I really feel for the people of Weston, I only visted the pier once but it's still very upsetting to see the pictures.

Luke Taylor
Its devistating news that the pier has gone, me and my family go to weston every month and our highlight is, or was, the pier. However it should fully restored to the exact condition before the fire, its an historic moneument of britain and the west country and should be remembered by being fully restored so it looks like nothing ever changed. No modern design!!!!!

Michael Traynor, Bristol
The plume of smoke was visible this morning from the hills above Bath, I live in Bristol but work in Chippenham and driving to work this morning the funnel of smoke was clearly visible. Very sad.

Sue Green, Taunton, Somerset
I was only there yesterday having coffee with my family and was really shocked and very sad to hear the news this morning. I used to take my children to Weston often when they were younger and the pier was such an adventure for them - but even now in their 20s, it's a place they still loved to go and visit. I can only say how absolutely devastating this is for Weston and for everyone that loved to visit there, I feel so so sorry.

David
I was there on Saturday evening. The new owners had imposed changes that were not universally popular. Now I guess they will get the chance to rebuild it as they wish. The sea front was mess with sea defences - now it is even more a mess. Not much reason for going to Weston just now.

Joanne Beaton, Weston super Mare
What a tragedy for Weston, especially on the first day of the school holidays. My children loved going to the pier, it was a real bonus to live so close to it. We'll miss it this summer.

Mark Kelly
I was there with my girlfriend yesterday - We went on a random train journey. I am shocked and gutted at the news.

Liz Cook
Yes of course it should be re-built,its a wonderful peir. Everytime i go to weston always go for a walk on the peir.

david
I used to go to the pier as a child to lose my pennies,then i took my children there,i have even been myself in recent years as i live fairly local.it is such a shame that this has happened it was a beautiful structure & the first thing you saw as you drove into the town.lets hope that it can be restored in some way but i have my doubts as the cost would be huge

D Frost, Weston-super-Mare UK
It is a very sad day for Weston - the heart of the town as a holiday resort has gone. Thank goodness this disaster didn't happen 18 hours earlier. Sunday afternoon was the busiest I've seen Weston seafront for a very long time and the result could have been catastropic

Daniel Tyler, Sidbury England
I grew up in Weston and the pier was my favourite place as a child. I also worked there in the east tower for two years in my teenage years. It was without doubt the heart of the town.

Dave Dowson
I have lived in the Bristol area all my life, and moved to Weston in 1987, so like to think I have become a Westonian from being a Bristolian.Weston was always our day out from Bristol and I have numerous memories of day trips with my parents and grandmother all of whom are now deceased. Living in Weston I have often taken my 5 year old granddaughter to the pier. The undercover fair was famous and known throughout the West Country and of course the Midlands where Weston attracts many visitors from. My favourite was the Ghost Train, to say it was unique is not an exageration.This will be a massive blow to our tourist trade I guess, and I feel for all of our local businesses who will suffer because of it.Finally, upset doesn't cover it, today we have seen part of our local and national heritage destroyed, and we should all mourn its loss.

Gavin
We had a great "old school" family day out to Weston on Saturday. We had fish and chips on the beach and then went for a walk around the pier. It was a really lovely day. The atmosphere on it was fantastic, today I'm feeling gutted. It must be rebuilt better than ever, I hope it doesn't end up just sitting there going to rack and ruin, while people decide what to do with it like the Lido.

shane burney
Re-build the peir better than before and longer maybe connect it with steep holm now that would be "super".

Sarah
I agree with Stephanie, I know it is only a buildinng but I have found this really upsetting, hopefully it will be rebuilt soon.

Lisa
I used to go to the pier all the time - my dad used to buy me candy floss the minute we stepped onto it. i had alot of memories on there and am sad that it's gone. Me and a few mates were thinking of going down there yesterday because the weather was so nice, but didn't and now i regret it coz it might not be re-built! - Hope it is :) x

June Carroll
Perhaps this might give the local council a badly needed kick to relaunch Weston before it dies before their eyes

pat
I hope they can rebuild it as it will be a great loss to weston as it is one of the main attractions, I loved the little train you go on to take you to the rides and and amusements my little grandaughter looked forward to going on there. such a sad day.

Chris Tolmie
So many piers in the country lost to fire. Just type "pier fire" into google to see. How many more will be lost until we learn how to protect them?

Rachel W
This is truly a tragic event, and I am glad to hear that the new owners have already decided to rebuild the Pier. I remember many trips to WestonSM and having fish and chips by the Pier.

CL
R.I.P. all those wonderful arcade machines.

shane burney
What a sad sight this is i have fond memories of this great attraction

Ian
How very sad,i have very happy memories of weston pier as a child. lets hope it can be repaired for future generations to enjoy!

Stephanie
I've been in tears all morning, I have so many fond memories and its so iconic for the area. We have to look to the future. It just has to be rebuilt better than ever. In my eyes we have 2 options.1. Replicate the original design and look (which may be the favourable option as its a listed building I think.)2. Go for a new design.We should make it a new terrific attraction we all the facilities we need, something we can all be proud of for the next 100 years.Whatever happens, its a great loss, but lets make this loss into an opportunity for something truly special, Weston deserves it.

caron pocock
i was just there 2 weeks ago and am now really upset by the turn of events i have spent many a good weekend in weston and will miss the pier immensely