We are told Brighton's West Pier is close to collapse. It would be a matter of some regret if that happens.

The starlings will be homeless and might even have to return to their historic sites on land.

Tourists will be bored by even more unbroken views of a flat horizon and of the blank seascape off Brighton and Hove. The unique marine environment created by a closed and decaying pier will be devastated by the collapse.

The local conservation and heritage societies will have to devise a logic as to why a wreck is an integral part of the historic seafront.

Part of the Palace Pier will be lost to funfairs when the Noble Organisation opens its heritage shop selling memorabilia of the West Pier, the Chain Pier and the Palace Pier Theatre.

Hard-pressed politicians and bureaucrats will be forced by the elements of nature to address a wreck more urgently than their leisurely pursuit of a restoration.

A whole new field of profit will be opened up to lawyers. Brighton and Hove citizens will face an increase in council tax to clear the wreck, whereas they would not have paid a penny to achieve the restoration.

It is a fine balance but the collapse will probably be a cause for regret. Never mind, no one is to blame.

-Dr Geoff Lockwood, Chief Executive, Brighton West Pier Trust