Hastings Pier owner 'plans to offload' landmark

Hastings Borough Council said it had received formal notification from pier owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar

The owner of Hastings Pier is planning to "dispose of" the landmark and expressions of interest are being sought, the council says.

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) said it had received formal notification from pier owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar and had informed the community group that nominated the site as an asset of community value to see if it was interested.

Friends of Hastings Pier, which planned to submit an expression of interest, said: "Bringing the pier back under community control, management and ownership was always a key part of our constitution - which is why we worked hard to get it recognised by HBC as a valuable asset to our town."

Mr Gulzar has been contacted for comment.

Friends of Hastings Pier added: "Our next steps will be to submit an expression of interest so that the full six-month moratorium takes effect, during which time we will work to restoring community control of the pier.

"Meanwhile we would be grateful to hear from any members interested in helping out with progressing our bid."

Helena Dollimore, Hastings MP, said she had spoken with the group to give her full support "in their efforts to protect Hastings Pier, and bring it back under community control".