Clacton Pier's iconic 1990s sign put back on display

The sign, which was put up by the attraction's previous owners, was removed in 2017 in preparation for the multi-million-pound east side development.

It was replaced by a digital screen and lettering in line with the major project, and stored away in the Jolly Roger with other items of historical interest.

Now, the sign has been cleaned and fixed onto a new maintenance and office building on the east side, where it is visible to visitors.

The sign as it appeared after being put up by the Harrison Family in the mid-1990s(Image: Clacton Pier)

Clacton Pier's communications manager Nigel Brown said there had been disappointment and comments when the sign, which was originally put up by the Harrison family, was removed.

He said: "It was always our intention to look after it and find a place to display it, but it simply did not fit with the image we were looking to portray at the entrance."

"However, it is part of our history and now has pride of place on a nautical themed structure which houses workshops for our maintenance team including engineers, painters, carpenters and electricians.

Adrian Bowles works on repainting parts of the Helter Skelter(Image: Clacton Pier)

"Bringing all these trades together will improve efficiency and keep the pier and its rides running smoothly."

The maintenance team are now preparing for a busy programme of works around the attraction, with the rides closing on November 9.

Among the projects is the completion of a major makeover for the pier's oldest ride, the Helter Skelter, which was dismantled at the end of 2024.

Clacton Pier's oldest ride, the Helter Skelter(Image: Kevin Jay)

The Helter Skelter, originally built in 1949 by English specialist firm Supercar, was due to return last summer, but the renovation proved more extensive than initially anticipated.

Nigel said: "As with many attractions of its age, you find that more work needs to be carried out than you expect.

"The more the team got into the job, the longer the list of work became.

"Due to economies of scale and wanting to get it to the high standard desired, the repairs and refurbishment have been delayed.

"Although the bottom section of the 50ft Helter Skelter went up in the summer, that has now been taken down for the winter, and the full structure will return in spring next year."

This weekend, the pier's Halloween festival gets underway and will run from Saturday through to November 2, from 11am to 5pm daily.