Calls to make pier events safer after warnings

Safety standards at live events on the seaside attraction have sparked concerns

Councillors have called for Hastings Pier to come under new management to reduce risks at live events, amid safety warnings by the authorities.

During a review of its alcohol and events licensing, Hastings Borough Council agreed to place new and stricter conditions on the East Sussex attraction.

Representatives of the pier at the meeting accepted the changes, including noise management and safety measures, and recognised more work needed to be done.

It comes after South East Coast Ambulance Trust (Secamb) warned provision of medical services on the pier during past events had fallen to a “dangerous level”.

Further changes in store

Martin Watson, operational commander with Secamb’s East Sussex unit, told the council meeting his organisation wanted the pier to keep its licence, but changes were needed to make events safer.

"The pier is a valuable asset for Hastings. It has been over many years, with its continued history and the redevelopment processes... there is so much more it could be for the future," he said.

But Mr Watson added emergency situations needed to be "fully planned" for, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Mass gatherings exceeding 1,000 persons do pose significant risks to the health and well-being of many individuals, both those attending events but also those surrounded and impacted by potential activities," he said.

Several members of the local Safety Advisory Group - involving Sussex Police and Hastings Borough Council - said they were frustrated with the pier's management.

Kirstie Rolfe, a senior licensing officer with the local authority, said they had not received timely or satisfactory responses on fire, health and noise matters.

“I am grateful that we haven’t had a major incident, [because] I am not confident, even now, that if one were to happen it would be dealt with in a sufficient manner," she added.

Further changes to the pier’s licensing arrangements, with the potential for them to be split among different businesses, are expected.