THE council was today branded a disgrace for refusing to take action to save Hastings Pier.

The National Piers Society accused it of "doing nothing" to breathe new life into the ailing pier, now closed and up for sale.

Receivers are inviting offers for the 127-year-old structure, which suffered serious storm damage during the recent bad weather.

Neither council leader Richard Stevens nor his deputy Jay Cramer, both of the ruling Labour group, would comment on the future of the pier or its value to the town.

Mayor Godfrey Daniel said it

"wouldn't be right" for him to comment.

A spokesman for the council refused to say why it was not getting involved. She added: "We will see what happens and then go from there."

The National Piers Society says the Grade II listed pier is "a national treasure."

Vice chairman Anthony Wills said: "I think it's bewildering that the town's main authority is doing nothing about this issue.

"Normally, the pier is an integral part of a resort and valued by councils as a tourist attraction.

"That the council are being seen to do nothing is a disgrace. At other resorts there have been various schemes to save piers that have always involved the council in some way so I can't understand the reaction in Hastings."

Society member and Hastings resident James Risbridger said he too was surprised the council had opted to stand by and do nothing.

He said: "I think the council has a definite role in finding a potential buyer for the pier.

"Hastings Pier is a part of the town's heritage and it's vital that it is saved

"With the sort of money that's going to be necessary to save the pier, I think it's important the council is involved otherwise we could have a situation where it is bought by a cheapskate and ruined."

But Conservative councillor John Wilson said: "As things stand, the council does not have a role to play in the equation."

Hastings Pier was designed by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch, who is also responsible for Brighton's West Pier.

He designed 14 British piers but only half still stand.

The National Piers Society fears Hastings Pier may fall into the same disrepair as the West Pier unless something is done soon.

Members will attend the the Society's South East branch annual meeting in Eastbourne this Saturday, where the issue will be top of the agenda.

Mr Risbridger said: "I shall be bringing the subject up at the meeting.

"The society is very concerned about what is going on and does not want to see the pier closed."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.