Local councillors gathered yesterday, September 18, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Burnham's new pontoon.

Burnham-on Crouch Town Mayor Cllr Fiona Clegg and Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Diane Carter, Cllr Wendy Stamp, Vice-Chairperson of Maldon District Council Ron Pratt, Cllr Vanessa Bell, Cllr Una Siddall-Norman, and Maldon District Council Senior Project Manager Katy Moore attended the pontoon today to declare it officially open.

The councillors test out the new pontoon. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

The structure replaces the original pontoon, which was damaged "beyond repair" during Storm Eunice in February 2022.

Built on the same footprint as the original pontoon, the new pontoon includes additional safety features including perimeter handrails and new non-slip decking.

The T-Shaped pontoon now offers perimeter handrails instead of the orignal rail in the centre of the walkway. (Photo: Chloe Brewster)

It has been warmly welcomed by residents since it first opened for Burnham Week on August 23, with many spotted using it for crabbing and socialising.

The project was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.