RIDES at the end of Brighton's Palace Pier have had a "dramatic and detrimental" effect on the listed structure, a public inquiry heard today.

The rides, particularly the roller coaster, have meant parts of the deck edge are now out of bounds to visitors, the hearing was told.

Conservation expert Robert Fraser was called to give evidence by Brighton and Hove Council, which is attempting to have some of the rides removed.

The inquiry at Brighton Town Hall was called after the authority told pier owners, the Noble Organisation, of its plans.

Mr Fraser said: "At the pier head now there is no defined route either forward, or to the edge of the pier.

"Many areas of the deck edge are out of bounds to visitors, even where they are free of machinery and equipment.

"The freedom to access the edge has only diminished significantly in very recent years as fairground rides have increasingly cramped the available space.

"I note that it is only the pier end rides that have caused a dramatic and detrimental change in physical character and use.

"The roller coaster ride is unacceptable being very tall, uneven in form and alien to the character of the pier. Wherever located it will dominate the skyline of the pier."

Brian Ralfe, 54, of The Drive, Hove, is opposing the council's plans.

He told the inquiry: "It is vital that current trends and tastes are reflected in the rides and attractions on the pier.

"I don't want to see the Palace Pier get lost again like it was in the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties when we had to pay for entrance, pay for deckchairs and watch the pier rust."

Earlier architect Roy Worskett, speaking for the pier's owners,

told the inquiry: "I have to say I take the opposite view to the local authority in that I find the appearance of the roller coaster rather exciting and almost elegant."The inquiry was expected to conclude today with a final decision anticipated later this year.

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