**BREAKING NEWS** BARGE SMASHES INTO SOUTHEND PIER
Southend Pier has been indefinitely closed after a repair barge was driven into it by the high winds. The barge which was loaded with steel has gone under the structure - damaging several support pilings and an area of decking on the pier head.
The barge was installing a new fire main along the Grade 2 listed structure.
A tug's being brought in by contractors to try and free it.
It is not yet known how long the pier will be closed.
