HELENSBURGH'S pier has been closed to all marine traffic on safety grounds – and a community group hoping to secure the pier's long term future says it's not surprised at the move.

Argyll and Bute Council announced the closure in a Notice to Mariners on Tuesday after receiving the content of an inspection report by expert consultants.

The decision follows a report drawn up for the Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) by a former Queen's deputy harbourmaster at Faslane, warning that the condition of the council-owned pier is so poor that "the severity of harm to members of the public or crew members is likely to be high".

Following news of the pier's closure to marine traffic, an HSDP spokesman told the Advertiser: “It cannot be entirely unexpected that, given the condition of the pier, the pier has been closed to vessel traffic.

“It is regrettable that such an historic and iconic part of the town has been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair.

"However, it is to be hoped that, with the goodwill and assistance of the council along with the efforts of the townspeople, the pier can be restored to operational use.”

An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: “We can confirm we have issued a ‘notice to mariners’, which temporarily closes Helensburgh pier, and have also advised the Waverley Trust.

“This was done on the advice of our consultants, Arch Henderson, who have produced a draft principal inspection report on our behalf. This will be considered by the harbour board at its next meeting.”