The official relaunch of a vital access for mariners was hailed as a success.

About 45 people went to the reopening of the all-tide landing in Queenborough on Tuesday, including representatives of Queenborough Yacht Club, Swale council and MP Gordon Henderson’s office as well as businesses, and WHP, the firm which carried out the work.

Celebrations began on Crundells Wharf, off North Road, before moving onto the renovated walkway.

The ribbon cutting was done by Mick Constable, who opened the original structure 20 years ago when he was Mayor of Swale, alongside Bob Eatwell, chairman of Queenborough Harbour Trust, which oversees mooring facilities in the town, and Ian Bone of WPH.

The facility, which cost £100,000, consists of 1,200 planks of wood. They and the supporting structures are made from a much thicker, heavier marine wood which, it is hoped, will give the project a long life span.

After the opening, guests went to the yacht club for refreshments.

Geof Reed, spokesman for the trust, said there were positive comments about the stability and appearance of the landing.

He said: “Through loans and grants we have now brought a fund approaching half a million pounds in terms of investment to Queenborough.

“We are looking to continue to revitalise Queenborough by attracting more visitors. We attracted more visitors last year than ever previously recorded and we are on course to beat that number this year – depending to a large extent on the weather.

“Nevertheless, with the improved facilities, the refurbished all-tide landing linking up to the new pontoons, we now have safe and easy walk-ashore access which is exactly what people visiting Queenborough by boat want.”

He thanked those who attended the opening and those who supported the project.

The landing was forced to close more than a year ago after health and safety fears. Repair work was carried out in stages which enabled it to remain partially open apart from two days when it had to be completely shut.

Funding was provided through a £50,000 loan from Swale council’s Local Loan Fund and a £40,000 loan and £10,000 grant from Kent Community Foundation.

Money is also being raised through an adopt-a-plank scheme.