WORK to improve the structural integrity of the Queen's Pier in Ramsey has been completed.

The Department of Infrastructure's main contractor, MPM Northwest Limited, completed the stabilisation and protection scheme earlier than scheduled and within the £1.895m budget approved by Tynwald.

The area under and near the pier has also been made safer.

About 55 tonnes of new steel has replaced missing, damaged or corroded steel girders and braces. Lamp posts, railings and seats have been removed from under and near the pier, as have loose timber joists and decking.

The shelter at the seaward end that was built in the late 1980s has been demolished, as have two toll booths at the landward end.

The department said all removal and demolition has been undertaken in accordance with the conditions attached to the planning approval and advice from Manx National Heritage.

All the metal items that could be used in a future refurbishment scheme are in controlled storage and a detailed record has been made of the demolished structures.

The department added that MPM Northwest Limited has worked hard to minimise the impact of the work on nearby residents.

In recognition of the assistance given by Ramsey Lifeboat, in allowing the use of the lifeboat slipway for access to the pier at low water, MPM has made a donation of £500.

The cheque was presented to Ramsey RNLI Coxswain Mark Kenyon by Michael Hawkins of MPM Northwest Limited.

The department said it wished to place on record its appreciation and thanks for the work that has been completed by the whole project team.