It is said you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, and it is the same with piers.

Demolition work has started on the first section of the pier opposite the Bristol Arms in Shotley, which has meant removing a section of boards and struts.

Work started on the forlorn looking pier last week and contractors have made progress in removing rotten parts as they look to restore the 125 year old pier back to its former glory.

A small group of local residents started the project, with a £20,000 grant from Babergh district council getting it off the ground and people bought shares at £25 each, which was match-funded by the government. Grants, including from the EU have helped move the project forward.

The pier, which is run by directors from the Shotley Heritage Benefit Society, does not have any planning permission and so has to be restored as it was originally, without any additional building.

The Benefit Society failed in an application to build offices, cafe, visitor centre and workshops and then lost an appeal by that decision by Babergh's planning committee.

The Government Planning Inspector ruled the pier, which although described as a railway pier was never used in that capacity, although did have a small dolly truck on it for a short while to help transport supplies to the Royal Navy Training Establishment, should be protected.

Mr Robert Fallon, the Inspector, pointed out in his report that he concurred with the decision by the planning committee that the harm of building workshops, an arts venue, visitor centre, workshops and cafe on the character and appearance of the area looking down the River Stour, outweighed the benefits put forward by the appellant.

Mr Fallon, who visited the site said the pier is of: "Significant local historical value with its isolated position, lack of buildings and attractive timber piles, beams and deck construction making a significant contribution towards the character and appearance of the area".

Mr Fallon also expressed concerns that the proposed development would be constructed without the pier being restored, and there was no evidence the buildings were needed and the income would not cover the costs of the restoration, given how much the two buildings would cost, or if the income derived from the development would be re-invested or anything to prevent the new buildings being sold separately from the rest of the pier before its restoration had been paid and completed.

The Inspector also rejected the benefit society directors assertion the pier would fit in with the new developments nearby and pointed out the homes being built on land near Admiralty Pier was previously a large boatyard, with a boatshed, which the new homes reflect in their design.