Once again, the spectre of oblivion haunts Brighton's West Pier. Immediate restoration must be undertaken to save the structure, we are told (July 9).

Realistically, the pier must surely be beyond restoration. The best we could hope for would be a replica of the original, given the degree of work apparently required.

No one wants to lose a potentially major attraction, certainly not one so representative of our history and heritage.

So why not demolish it and create a unique new testament to the city's ability to grow, evolve and innovate by erecting a pier for the 21st Century?

Surely it could not be more expensive or challenging than the task outstanding for more than 25 years to restore a decaying remnant of the 19th Century.

-Steve Phythian, Saltdean