Fleetwood Pier is to be completely demolished, Wyre Council has announced.

The decision to remove what remains of the fire-ravaged structure was made today following visits earlier in the week from English Heritage and the Health and Safety Executive combined with the findings of a structural engineer's report.

All are in agreement that the structure is too unstable and has deteriorated to a point where it cannot remain.

The report, prepared on behalf of pier owners Simmo Developments, advises that the concrete platform at the very end of the pier should also be demolished.

As a result all parties have now agreed that the remainder of the historic structure should be removed in the interests of public safety.

All of the cast iron columns have already been removed along with any hazardous material on the site.

Work has also begun to demolish the main pier building which bore the brunt of the fire.

It is expected that the site will be completely cleared within two to three weeks.

In the meantime the whole site, including access from the beach, will be cordoned off.

Garry Payne, Director of Planning and Regeneration for Wyre Borough Council, said: "Regrettably, the demolition of the complete pier structure would now seem the only course of action available.

"The structural report presented to the council was presented with concluded that the remaining elements were in such poor condition that they needed to be removed for safety reasons.

"Although English Heritage is not statutorily required to comment because the pier is not a listed building, we accepted their invitation to survey the site as the pier is within the newly extended Fleetwood Conservation Area.

"In addition, the HSE has independently visited the site and requested that access from the beach to any part of the remaining structure is prohibited in the interests of public safety.

"We have discussed all these opinions with the pier owners and have reached agreement that the site will be cleared as soon as possible."

Councillor Russell Forsyth, Leader of Wyre Borough Council, said: "Complete demolition of the pier is an outcome very few people would have wanted, but our first priority has always been to ensure the safety of the public.

"A very difficult decision had to be made. However, it was taken following full and frank discussions with building experts who have all shared the same view."