THE opening of Weston-super- Mare's new £51 million Grand Pier could be delayed further – because of problems with the decking around the new pavilion.

Pier owner Kerry Michael has revealed that the new wooden decking around the outside of the pavilion, some of which will be used as outdoor seating areas, is already failing despite only being laid over the last few months.

Structural engineers have now been brought in to assess the problem.

If the decking has to be replaced, it could push back the opening of the landmark even further.

Contractor John Sisk and Son has been working on the seaside landmark since April 2009 and was due to hand the building over to owners Kerry and Michelle Michael on June 25.

But the project has been fraught with problems and the handover did not take place – and work is now two months behind schedule.

It had been hoped to open the pier in September, although following news about the decking failing, this could be pushed back even further.

The Michaels have already estimated that the delays are costing them £1m a month in lost revenue during the main summer season.

Surveyors have now been asked to prepare a report about the structural integrity of the wooden decking on the pier, but Mr Michael says he is expecting the worst.

He said contractors had advised him on Tuesday evening that they had concerns over the structural integrity of the new decking.

Mr Michael said: "Structural engineers are looking into the design to see if it meets the requirements and if, as I fear, it does not, it will have to be stripped and redone.

"I am bitterly disappointed at the continued delays on the project."

This is the second major blow to the project to rebuild the pier, which was destroyed in a fire in July 2008, in the last week.

The Evening Post exclusively revealed this week that one of the main subcontractors working on the project had gone bust.

Bristol-based heating and design engineering firm Joyner Morgan, which was the main mechanical services contractor on the pier working for main contractor John Sisk and Son, went into voluntary liquidation on Friday.

As a result of the delays the Michaels have been forced to cancel all bookings up until September 10, including children's and engagement parties.

They were also forced to cancel a display by the RAF display team the Red Arrows due to take place this month.

They have also recruited around 300 people to work on the attraction either full time or part time – the majority of whom are still waiting to start their new jobs.

But as some of the jobs were just for the summer, some of those recruited will not get to realise their dream of working on the landmark.

Mr Michael added: "We should have been open weeks ago and not only have we lost the entire summer, but it looks like we will be losing what's left of the season as well.

"I can only apologise to everyone that has been waiting patiently for the reopening – those who have booked events that cannot go ahead, the staff waiting in the wings for a start date and to the whole town and seafront traders, who like us, are losing out every day.

"We continue to work with contractors to complete the project as soon as we can, but we are in their hands. There is little our team can do until the building is complete and handed over to us."

But the ever-optimistic Mr Michael said despite all the problems and hold-ups, the pier was looking good.

He said: "Problems aside, the building is really looking good.

"All the rides are now fully installed and working.

"The kitchens are in, and the function rooms and wedding venues are stunning.

"When it's finished it will be something we can all be proud of, but we have to get it right and we won't compromise on quality."