The remains of Brighton West Pier have been significantly damaged by the recent stormy weather
The BBC writes:
A major part of Brighton’s ruined West Pier has collapsed after being battered by winds of up to 70mph and rough seas.
A number of its main supports on the eastern side appear to have been washed away, splitting the former pavilion into two sections.
The pier, which is not maintained and was shut in 1975 after being deemed unsafe, burnt down in 2003.
Part of the derelict Grade I listed pier’s eastern side crumbled into the sea in `January 2013, following cold weather conditions.
Solent Coastguard has urged people to stay away from the shoreline and coastal structures such as piers and sea walls during the stormy weather.
The blackened frame has become a much photographed Brighton landmark.
Rachel Clark, chief executive of the West Pier Trust, which owns the structure, said: “There have been collapses for several weeks as we’ve had the high winds, but this is more significant and obvious.
“A significant section of the pavilion island skeleton has collapsed. It’s very sad but it was always going to happen.
“It’s not being maintained so eventually the elements are going to take their toll and they have again this time, but much more significantly.”
EH Building at Risk register entry: LINK
BBC News article: LINK
