A council is deploying experts to abseil down a pier to check for repairs.

The unusual operation is part of a structural survey on Deal Pier which began last week after legs were found to be rusting.

A spokesperson for Dover District Council explained: “Some of the works will involve experts abseiling down the structure to survey the reinforced concrete pier legs.

“Although the pier remains open, we would ask people to take care and keep clear of any equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Work is expected to take around 10 days, weather permitting.

The survey on the pier follows a cabinet decision last September.

Pictures last summer highlighted how some of the legs were rusting away, and engineers are now needed to check the full scale of the corrosion.

An officers’ report for the cabinet meeting last September 4 said an initial survey showed legs had “deteriorated” over the past few years.

There were signs of rusting and the exposure of the “internal reinforcement bar”.

The cabinet then agreed on a full structural survey and to carry out any immediate repairs where needed, setting aside £75,000 for the project.