A FORMER Bournemouth councillor is calling for an update on the situation regarding hairline cracks found in Boscombe Pier.

Ron Whittaker, who recently retired from the council after 44 years' service, is continuing to ask for information about the long-term viability of the pier.

He submitted a Freedom of Information request to obtain copies of any reports produced by contractor Carillion, which in September 2011 agreed to complete a programme of repairs to the pier.

But he was told there were no reports to disclose and that the council was continuing to discuss matters with Carillion.

Mr Whittaker said he could not understand why the council was not doing more to establish if any further deterioration had occurred and he also wanted to know whether any payment had been made to Carillion.

But Bill Cotton, executive director for environment and economy, said they had been assured the design life of the pier was not compromised and this had been verified by a specialist marine structural expert.

He said the matter would be considered by a council panel in October, if it was thought appropriate.