These pictures show why part of Hastings Pier was suddenly closed on Friday.

The remaining businesses in the horseshoe section of the pier near the promenade will be closed today if Hastings Borough Council is granted an order by magistrates under the Building Act 1984.

Last month the council gave the pier management company, Raven Claw Investments Inc, two months to carry out a full structural survey after chunks of metal fell from the 130-year-old structure.

But last week council officials became concerned when they discovered major events had been planned for the summer, including The Kooks in concert in August.

They arranged for a structural survey to be carried out on a small section near the entrance foyer but five trusses failed and several columns were found to be three-quarters rusted through. The pier was closed within hours.

Kevin Boorman, of Hastings Borough Council, said: "The photographs we took last week clearly show the level of erosion. The cast iron columns are holding up the pier. We already know the West Pier in Brighton collapsed and Hastings Pier was built by the same designer to the same plan.

"We have no hidden agenda. We do not want to shut the pier but public safety must come first. We are looking at ways to help the traders who are the innocent victims in this. We are looking at any financial aid or accommodation we can help them with. They need to find new accommodation in days or they are going to miss their season."

Harmesh Pooni, commercial manager at the pier and Raven Claw Investments Inc representative, said the council had acted too hastily and they could have come to an agreement without closing the pier.

He said: "We are sticking to the original plan, the original time frame of July 21, to carry out the full structural survey.

"When the council told us the problem we agreed to cancel the events at great cost to us. If an outsider refused, we could have dealt with them individually without making everyone miss the busiest season.

"It is clear it is the council's intention to close the pier."

Wednesday, June 21, 2006