Southend Pier Railway closure

During May it was regrettably discovered that issues surrounding the Southend Pier has resulted in the closure of the mile long railway along the structure. Repairs now require the railway to be out of use for several months right the way through the summer period.
With the main element of the pier out in the Thames Estuary this has an effect upon trade and visitors to the pier. Visitors and employees can still have access to the far end, but obviously now necessitates a rather long walk exposed to the elements, the summer so far being a less than sunny affair.
Some planned events have already been cancelled or postponed, but the local council have established a replacement buggy service in order to provide some kind of mobile access.