THE fate of Mumbles Pier is expected to be revealed next week.

The Victorian structure is under threat of closure because of its deteriorating condition.

At the moment an independent inspection report is being combed through by all interested parties at the pier.

A spokesman for Ameco, which owns it, said: "The report is being pored over and we are hoping to find out whether it must close next week."

However, until a decision is made on whether the tourist attraction should be closed, Mumbles Pier is still open for business.

Ameco said it would remain open as long as it possibly could before restoration work starts.

Owners hope the pier restoration will be financed through a £39 million redevelopment of the foreshore.

Plans for a hotel, apartments and leisure units have been submitted to Swansea Council. However, they have not been popular with everyone.

Campaigners calling for a low-lying development on Mumbles Head say that despite their opposition to the submitted plans, they do not want to see the pier fall to rack and ruin.

Ameco is in the middle of working with Swansea Council on plans to develop the foreshore.

The spokesman added: "The application is still progressing and we are hopeful we can make a satisfying conclusion."

However, the separate joint application between Ameco and the RNLI to renovate the pier itself will go before Swansea Council in April.

The original Mumbles Pier built in 1889 is much loved, in particular by anglers.

Lyndon Lammas, vice- president of the South and West Wales Association of Sea Angling Clubs, said he would be "devastated" if the pier closed.

"It will be a tremendous loss if the pier closes," he previously said.