Deal Pier will undergo a half a million pound refurbishment as it celebrates its diamond anniversary.

Dover District Council’s cabinet has given the go ahead for the £500,000 spruce-up after recent neglect left the tourist attraction looking shabby and dangerous.

Works are set to include resurfacing, replacement of all the timber seating, and concrete repairs to its structure.

Structural works are expected to start before the end of the year.

It is intended that work on the resurfacing and seating will begin in the spring of 2018, and the aim is to maintain access as much as possible throughout the works.

Deal Pier – the town’s third – was opened 60 years ago on November 19, 1957 by the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Philip.

Today, the landmark is one of the town’s enduring attractions, popular with both townsfolk and visitors for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline and out into the English Channel.

The café at the pier head, Jasin’s Restaurant, was opened in 2008 following a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) design competition.

It was recently used for filming in ITV’s hit drama Liar.

Deal Pier is also a popular fishing venue and this weekend hosts a Diamond Jubilee open fishing competition in aid of Walmer RNLI, organised by the Deal & Walmer Angling Association, and sponsored by Dover District Council.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, DDC cabinet member for property management said: “We’re delighted to commit to the biggest refurbishment of Deal Pier since its opening 60 years ago.

“Deal Pier is a fantastic asset for the area, it’s a major local landmark that’s visited by many thousands of people, and we’re very pleased to be able to approve these works to maintain and enhance this important amenity for the future.”

Cllr Trevor Bond had called for action to be taken back in August after residents complained to him of the corroded posts, rusty hand rails and even a protruding bolt from a removed seat.