I will NEVER go to Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier again if they double the entry fee ... this is madness
Plans to double the entry fee to a popular seaside attraction near Bristol have been received poorly by tourists.
BristolWorld first revealed yesterday that the admission charge for Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier is due to double from £1 to £2 from April.
The privately-owned Grand Pier said the increase is due to “rising inflation and the growing costs of preserving a Grade II listed building.”
But, in hundreds of comments under our story on Facebook, readers have expressed hesitation about the increased fee.
“I used to go to the pier all the time and since they've introduced a fee, I've been there twice,” wrote Amy Bennett.
“If they're planning to double the fee, I will never go there again as well as many others.
“They're just mugging people off, if they think this will increase tourists, they're wrong.”
Dave Leighton added: “This is a way of getting rid of tourists.”
Jill Cridland said: “Now they’re doubling the entry price, even less people will go on it.
“It’s just a way of paying to use an overpriced amusement park.
“If they didn’t charge to go on, more people would use it and more money would be spent there.”
And Linda Clarke said: “It comes to something when your family can't go to the seaside without paying for something ... this is madness.”
The Grand Pier said the fee, first introduced in 2011/12, covers maintenance costs including regular structural checks and necessary upgrades.
Tim Moyle, director of the Grand Pier, explained: “This price increase is vital so we can continue our high level of maintenance and protect the long-term future of the Pier.
“Last year, we invested over £1m in essential upkeep alone and ongoing projects will ensure that we can preserve the structure for future generations.”
The attraction is also free for local residents in Weston to access via the My Grand Pier Card.