by Ed Targett

Plans by a Herne Bay businessman to turn the pier into a helicopter pad have been welcomed by the Pier Trust and town manager Chris West.

Nick Young, from Monster Aviation, has approached the council about the possibility of running short trips off the platform during next year's Herne Bay festival.

The 42-year-old, who has flown the prime minister as well as major music stars, hopes to use the pier for a week during the annual festival.

He said: "I'm trying to put a package together to fly people down the Barnes Wallis route and back, which we could hopefully do for about £45.

"I have approached Canterbury City Council and will be talking to the Pier Trust about it after applying to the CAA for permission.

"Ideally, I could put on a few longer trips to Southend. People could fly there, spend the afternoon or have lunch, then fly back."

Town centre manager Chris West says the move would be good for the town.

He said: "I think it is a very good idea – anything that brings more tourists to the town and proves an attraction can only be a good thing.

"There is a helicopter that does something similar from Deal beach during the carnival every year and people absolutely love it.

"I'm sure there are a few things that would need to be ironed out but I think it is an idea with great potential.

"The noise shouldn’t be an issue. Part of the pleasure of seaside towns in the summer is the noise and the hustle and the bustle.

"I understand it would only be during the festival and during the day, so good luck to him."

Pier Trust chairman Doreen Stone said: "We would need to check about weight issues but if that was OK then my first impression is that it would be a fantastic idea.

"Anything that brings Herne Bay to life should be welcomed and I'm sure a lot of people would welcome the opportunity to have a helicopter ride."

Despite the Pier Trust support, council events boss John Hawkins poured scorn on the idea.

He said: "There were concerns about this proposal when it was first suggested last year.

"The existing facilities on the pier would be compromised by a helicopter landing pad, fuel and support, and noise in the centre of a popular seafront.

"Health and safety and environmental issues also caused concern. For example, it was not clear how the helicopter would be landing and taking off over the sea, over small craft, or over land and the town depending on wind direction."