SOUTHEND Pier will stay closed to the public for at least a fortnight while repairs are carried out.

It will be closed for two weeks while temporary repairs are made to the walkway and support pilings which were damaged on Tuesday.

Contractors will start the temporary work next Wednesday.

A full damage assessment is yet to be carried out due to continuing bad weather and tidal conditions.

Damage was caused to the iconic pier after high winds swept a repair barge underneath it.

The barge was installing a new fire main along the Grade II-listed structure and became trapped, damaging several support pilings and an area of decking on the pier head.

See Friday's Echo for the full story.