I used to play truant from London to visit Brighton. The Palace Pier appeared common and cheap in those days, unlike the grand, sedate West Pier, where I always headed.

I remember the fire on the West Pier in 1975 and visited the next day to take photos. I also remember the furore when the fire insurance claim investigation not only discovered extensive structural erosion to the pier supports but also that Brighton Borough Council had underinsured the property and the insurance company refused to pay for repairs.

This resulted in the pier being closed to the public and the council without sufficient funds to undertake either the fire repair or the repair and replacement of the pier supports. The pier was later struck by a ship, which caused further damage.

It was of little surprise to find the council was eager to sell the pier for one penny, as it lacked the millions required to either repair or demolish this beautiful structure.

We would not have had to endure these many years of wrangling and ownership changes had the council acted correctly all those years ago. Underinsuring to save money is akin to stopping a clock to save time.

Recently, we have been subjected to something not far off blackmail. We have been informed that "enabling buildings" have to be built in a position that will obstruct the wonderful views of the West Pier. I fail to understand why a similar amount of land on another brownfield site, away from the seafront, could not be given to those willing to repair the pier, thus allowing them a financial gain for ensuring the future of this Grade I listed structure, while the original views of the sea and pier would remain unchanged.

I can understand the Palace Pier management being annoyed the West Pier was to receive Lottery money while they did not but to slow down essential repairs by suggesting legal action opposing such a grant just endorses the vulgarity many already associate with the Palace Pier.

I thought we had a doctor looking after the health of the West Pier. He isn't doing a very good job. It's best we bring in the orthopaedic surgeons immediately because the last thing we require is a doctor giving palliative care.

The interesting point now is just who will pay the millions of pounds required for any demolition, as well as removal of the structure should it continue to fall into the sea? I bet it won't be the West Pier Trust.

Brighton won't be the same without the West Pier. I hope she pulls through and is strong enough to withstand the storms before essential repairs are completed.

-Terry Wing, Regency Square, Brighton