So, the game is up. The West Pier Trust has, in effect, admitted restoration is not and, for some time, has not been on the cards.

So far as the Trust is concerned, the Pier can fall into the sea. It will not affect its plans to "rebuild" it.

The "heritage" case has thinned drastically and the Palace Pier lobby can claim reason on its side.

The trust's original purpose, having lost its relevance, has apparently been hijacked as cover for a lucrative commercial venture which is not needed and must not be allowed to wreck the seafront.

-Jerome Abbo, Clifton Street, Brighton