EASTBOURNE pier along with Blackpool Tower could be sold, it has been confirmed.

Owner First Leisure group said it was considering selling the tourist magnets after receiving requests to buy its resorts division. Asale of the resorts division would include Blackpool's Winter Gardens and the North West towns three piers. There is speculation the decision to consider offers for the resorts may have been affected by the Labour Party's decision to temporarily move its annual conference from the Winter Gardens to Brighton. The company, chaired by former Channel 4 boss Michael Grade, confirmed it had decided to consider a number of unsolicited approaches. It added: "However, discussions are at an early stage, no firm offer has yet been received and First Leisure is continuing actively to manage the resorts business for the long term."

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