SOUTHEND Pier could become a venue for parties under plans to boost British tourism.

Behind the proposal is the organisers of British Tourism Week, which runs from March 12 to 20.

They want pier parties to be held across the UK to show the importance of seaside holidays to tourism and the economy.

Southend Council has confirmed it is interested in being part of the proposal.

Peggy Dowie, who is the custodian of the pier’s 100-plus year history has welcomed the news and even suggested the pier should be developed as a party venue.

She said: “I think it is a lovely idea for the pier to host a party and it would be good for other piers in the country that already have buildings which could accommodate a party.

“But Southend will need something built to house parties, especially if they are to be held at the end of the pier.”

Mrs Dowie, who is also the voluntary manager of the pier museum and chairman of the Pier Museum Foundation Trust, added: “I wrote to the council recently asking them to put something on the pier to shelter parties of children visiting the pier while they eat their lunches.

“But I do think the party idea is something the council should grasp with both hands.”

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has backed the nationwide scheme for the country’s remaining 55 piers.

He said: “British Tourism Week offers all of us a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the tourism industry and to highlight what a hugely important sector it is to the UK economy.”