I remember, years back, when the West Pier was sold to a certain company for £1 with the proviso that the buyer would be responsible for maintaining it in good condition.

The buyer wanted to put a casino on it but permission was refused and, as a result, the company went into liquidation. The pier was left to rot to the state it is in today.

Would it not have been better to have agreed to this casino instead of now hoping for millions in gambling cash - from the Lottery - to rebuild it?

Having been on the pier a year or so ago, it is obvious that demolition and rebuilding at terrific costs will now be required.

-Reg Moores, Horton Road, Brighton