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Clacton Pier helter-skelter blown down as storm hits Essex Clacton Pier helter-skelter blown down as storm hits Essex
(35 minutes later)
The helter-skelter at Clacton Pier has blown down after Essex was hit by strong winds.The helter-skelter at Clacton Pier has blown down after Essex was hit by strong winds.
Tendring District Council said it collapsed early in the morning, but the structure had not fallen into the sea. The structure collapsed early on Monday morning but has not fallen into the sea, Tendring District Council said.
Eyewitness Chris Woodley said the slide appeared to have fallen on to the amusement arcade and the rollercoaster looked like it was "breaking up". Witness Chris Woodley said the slide appeared to have fallen on to the amusement arcade and the rollercoaster looked like it was "breaking up".
The pier's owner is at the scene assessing the damage, but did not wish to comment.The pier's owner is at the scene assessing the damage, but did not wish to comment.
Another eyewitness said: "It was the tallest thing on the pier, the kids loved it." BBC Essex reporter James Waterhouse said other rides had also been hit, including a climbing frame with a ball pit which has toppled over.
A council spokesman spoke of disappointment at the ride collapsing, saying: "Any of the main rides on the pier are crucial to Clacton." One witness said: "[The helter-skelter] was the tallest thing on the pier, the kids loved it."
He added that so many trees had also fallen down in the district, it was "running out of chainsaws". Rides 'crucial'
A spokesman for the pier added: "Unfortunately due to the weather conditions the pier rides will not be open today.
"The Boardwalk Bar, The Lanes and The Arcade will all be open from 11am as normal."
A council spokesman spoke of the authority's disappointment at the ride collapsing, saying: "Any of the main rides on the pier are crucial to Clacton."
Metal sheeting has also been seen being blown off the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze.
The Tendring council spokesman said because so many trees had also fallen down in the district, it was "running out of chainsaws".
Essex Police said a number of trees had fallen on to roads across the county, but no major incidents had occurred.Essex Police said a number of trees had fallen on to roads across the county, but no major incidents had occurred.
Congestion
People have also seen trees falling on to caravans, but there have been no reports of serious injury.
The storm has affected commuters in Essex, with most rail services throughout the county being suspended.The storm has affected commuters in Essex, with most rail services throughout the county being suspended.
A lorry has also blown over on the M11 near Harlow, causing congestion. A lorry has also been blown over on the M11 near Harlow, causing congestion.
County council services including country parks have been closed and some courts including Basildon Crown Court are not sitting until at least 14:00 GMT. Flights are operating at Stansted Airport, but trains are not running to it until after midday.
County council services, including country parks have been closed and some courts, including Basildon Crown Court, are not sitting until at least 14:00 GMT.
Essex Police has set up two emergency lines for all weather calls, including emergencies - 0800 092 0410 and 0207 158 0124.Essex Police has set up two emergency lines for all weather calls, including emergencies - 0800 092 0410 and 0207 158 0124.