JUST days after slamming plans to convert Bournemouth’s historic Pier Theatre into an all-weather attraction, the National Piers Society (NPS) has urged residents and visitors to show how much they value end-of-the-pier shows.

Once as much a part of British seaside tradition as a stick of rock, now the nation’s end-of-the-pier shows are rapidly dying out.

Of the 55 piers, just six, including Bournemouth, continue to offer any form of live theatre entertainment.

As the annual Cromer Seaside Special was launched on the north Norfolk pier yesterday, vice chairman of the NPS Tim Wardley sent out a “use them or lose them” rallying call.

The Cromer show, the only surviving seasonal variety show, is expected to attract some 40,000 visitors to its 120 performances until September 24.

Mr Wardley said: “With changing tastes and the move towards foreign holidays in the 1960s, many pier theatres hit upon hard times.”

But he stressed that there was room for optimism, adding: “People who say the golden age of variety is dead obviously have not visited Cromer recently.

“For over 100 years, the seaside pier and its theatre have been the focal point of pleasure and entertainment at seaside resorts, with thousands of holidaymakers and visitors flocking to see famous variety acts and popular stars of the day.”

Bournemouth Pier operators Openwide International, which wants to convert the Grade II listed building into a £3million adventure sports attraction, also operates the Cromer venue.

Earlier, NPS spokesman Anthony Wills called on Openwide to bring the seaside special variety show to Bournemouth at the start and finish of the summer season, as it would be “providing the town with the sort of end-of-pier entertainment which they used to enjoy.”