MP launches campaign to protect 'much-loved' pier

A politician has launched a campaign to protect an East Sussex pier.

MP Josh Babarinde said he wanted to safeguard Eastbourne Pier for future generations after a company linked to its owner was put into compulsory liquidation.

"Eastbourne Pier is the beating heart of our seaside town," said the Liberal Democrat.

"It plays a vital role in our local economy and is central to our town's identity and heritage."

Babarinde has launched a petition calling on the government to work with communities, stakeholders and heritage organisations to explore what support can be made available to historical pleasure piers, like Eastbourne's.

Eastbourne Borough Council has said it is monitoring the situation at the "much loved" seaside attraction closely.

"Our priority is for the Official Receiver to try and secure an outcome that ensures it remains open for residents, visitors and businesses," it earlier told the BBC.

Sheikh Abid Gulzar bought the pier - which is more than 150 years old - in 2015 after it was badly damaged by fire.

He is the sole director of Lions Pier Limited that Companies House records show is in liquidation.

Gulzar is set to go on trial in November after pleading not guilty to 10 counts of fraud totalling £150,000 relating to water bills at hotels in East Sussex.

He has been approached for comment.

Eastbourne Pier, like many historical pleasure piers across the country, faces significant challenges, not least the substantial costs associated with maintaining these structures, according to Babarinde.

He added he was "determined to explore every possible option" to help safeguard its future.

Eastbourne Borough Council said its officers would continue to routinely check on the general condition of the pier.

During its lifetime the pier has featured docking facilities for paddle steamers, a ballroom, theatre, music pavilion and camera obscura.

It has survived being damaged by a mine in World War Two, a fire in 2014 and the Great Storm of 1987.

The government has been approached for comment.

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