PLANS to restore Brighton's historic West Pier have hit yet another delay.

It was hoped the 133-year-old listed building would be completely restored by the year 2001 after boxer Chris Eubank announced he was heading a new consortium last month.

But the work is now likely to be delayed by up to eight months because of another planning wrangle.

The Prestbury Group, which the Argus can reveal as the main financial consortium, wants assurances that a shoreline building essential to the scheme's viability will go ahead.

The building would contain traditional entertainments and possibly cafes.

The consortium is confident English Heritage and Brighton and Hove Council will approve the building as it would be below promenade level.

But if they do not indicate it will get the go-ahead, the restoration project could be placed in jeopardy.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said he was still optimistic.

He added: "Work now being done on the pier will protect it throughout next winter."

Dr Lockwood said the London-based Prestbury Group was now in the driving seat and was fully committed to the West Pier project.

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