The Grade II* Listed Eastbourne Pier has been damaged by fire which started on Wednesday 30 July, with the main pavilion now left as a shell, as David Cameron and George Osborne confirm their commitment to help local businesses recover.
The BBC reported that no-one was injured in the fire and police said it was not thought to be suspicious.
The National Piers Society has been compiling news reports of the fire on its social media networks, and Eastbourne Police also took images of the pier and efforts to save the historic structure.
LocalGov writes:
Eastbourne is to receive up to £2m to help the town’s tourism industry recover from the blaze that damaged the resort’s pier on Wednesday.
Prime minister David Cameron said: ‘I know that the loss of one of Eastbourne’s most prominent and well-loved landmarks will have hit the town hard and I am determined to do all I can to help local businesses recover.’
Chancellor George Osborne added that the Government would work with Eastbourne ‘as a matter of urgency’ to ensure that funding was provided without delay.
‘Eastbourne Pier is a much loved local attraction and this fire is devastating news. I am therefore delighted to be able to provide financial support so we can minimise the effect on business and tourism,’ Osborne said.
Eastbourne’s Victorian pier was built in the 1870s, and includes gift shops, bars and restaurants. The main roof was completely destroyed in the blaze.
Follow the National Piers Society on Twitter
Eastbourne Police news article and photographs on Twitter
Sussex Police appeal for information about the fire
British Listed Buildings – Eastbourne Pier
