Some of you may have seen on social media, that at NNDC this morning (10-02-2021) at Overview and Scrutiny when the Medium Term financial strategy along with Capital and Investment Strategies were being discussed, the Conservatives questioned the expense of the Pier and whether it was a viable asset. I’m glad to say it was made very clear that the Pier is considered to be the jewel of the North Norfolk Coast and is one of our greatest assets in bringing people to the area and boosting the local economy. This includes the ‘film star’ status which it has and which is a tourism promotion dream. Aside from these facts it is a listed building and that it is probably unique in the country as a thriving pier with variety shows and theatre at the end of it. Yes we must always be aware that we must look to gain the greatest benefit from our assets but that must not be at the expense of short term pile it high sell it cheap policy to cover over massive reductions in local council’s spending power. This is a forever asset and those of us there, not of conservative persuasion today were equally horrified that such a throwaway comment could be dropped into a serious discussion of Council finances.