Part of Deal Pier remains closed almost two weeks after being damaged by Storm Ciarán.

No reopening date has been set for a section of the lower deck amid ongoing concerns over the safety of the structure.

High waves and winds of more than 85mph whipped the Kent coast during the storm, which hit the county on Thursday, November 2.

A Dover District Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Deal Pier was closed during the day on November 2 due to the stormy conditions.

“The main pier was open again the following day and remains open as usual.

“The storm did cause some minor damage to the lower deck, which remains partially closed while we work to make appropriate repairs.”

In August, a council report revealed concerning images of what appears to be extensive rusting on the legs of the pier.

The report stated the legs have “deteriorated” over the past few years, with signs of rusting and the exposure of the “internal reinforcement bar”.

But it added: “While present concrete defects can make the structure look vulnerable, it is worth noting that it is the steel within the concrete that is doing most of the work.

“The concrete in this scenario adds a layer of protection to the steel against corrosion from its coastal environment.”

Council bosses have confirmed that a full structural survey of the pier – believed to cost in the region of £75,000 – is now set to take place in the spring of next year.

In the meantime, minor repairs are continuing.

The council spokesman added: “DDC continues to monitor and is satisfied there have been no further changes to the key structure of the pier.

“In the meantime, we continue to carry out minor repairs, like those following the minor damage to the lower deck caused by the storm.”

Deal Town Council spokesman Nadine Miller said: “We have had some very dramatic weather recently and Dover District Council advised that for safety reasons our local landmark was closed, as were many events in and around the town.

“Our pier is a tourist attraction and destination for anglers and it was reopened by Dover District Council the following day. We await the result of the completed repairs and look forward to a fully operational pier.”