I was sorry to hear that now lottery funding has been withdrawn from the West Pier, the only option might be to dismantle the remaining structure.

Its remains have great value to the city because of the daily spectacle of the flocks of swirling starlings that still roost there.

Many residents and visitors to Brighton and Hove continue to be entranced by this incredible natural spectacle.

Photos and paintings of these remarkable clouds of birds can be found in shops and stalls all over the city.

It was a pity that so little recognition was given to this aspect of the heritage of the West Pier in all the plans for its redevelopment. Maybe the birds have been vindicated.

English Nature recognises this natural phenomenon as one of the most visually impressive wildlife spectacles in Britain.

Starlings are a nationally declining species. The West Pier also provides a valuable hunting ground for the peregrine falcons that nest nearby.

To demolish the pier would be to wilfully destroy an important wildlife habitat and should not be an option for the future of the site.

Maybe the value of the West Pier having protection as a Grade 1 listed building is now redundant and we should look at giving it protection as a wildlife site.

English Nature should be encouraged to designate it with a status of at least a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

This would protect a very important roost for the birds and ensure the continued enjoyment by many of us of a marvel of the natural world.

-Tim Squire, Brighton