BLINK and you will miss it, but a strange blue glow has settled over Herne Bay's derelict pier head.

Few have noticed it but Michael Pearce, who runs Pebble's Reach guest house in Central Parade on the seafront, spotted it and is puzzled.

He said: "I have seen a white light flickering near it and a little blue flash in the same place. I thought it might be a boat but I've seen it at night a few times now."

Thankfully, Sue Austen of the Herne Bay Pier Trust can clear up the mystery.

She revealed: "It is part of our plan to light up the old pier head.

"We were ready to install the lights at the beginning of January but three times we had to postpone the operation at the last minute because of bad weather and high winds.

"We have now installed solar panels and lighting posts and are testing the system – so that's what people have spotted.

"Hopefully within the next three weeks, and depending on wind, weather and the availability of a boat, the project team members will get the lights to full strength to create the effect we want."

Jason Hollingsworth has been helping set the lights up.

He said: "We need to test different settings, including colours, on the lights. We are organising another boat trip out there at the moment. It is all very exciting."

David Cross, 62, of the Friends of The Herne Bay Museum, thinks it's a great idea. He said: "Anything that serves to draw attention to the pier can only be a good thing. I look forward to seeing the light glowing at full strength."

Ms Austen added: "This winter is the 33rd anniversary of the day Herne Bay's Victorian Pier was swept away in a storm, leaving the old Pier Head and its café building isolated at sea.

"The café reminds residents and visitors alike of the town's former prosperity.

"Now it will be illuminated. The lights will be a permanent feature throughout the coming months – a beacon of hope for the future."

What colour the beacon will be remains to be seen.

Have you seen the light? Or managed to get a photograph of it? Call the Herne Bay Times on 01843 578176 or e-mail ed.targett@KRNmedia.co.uk.