Bognor pier should be at heart of regeneration

Cllr Paul Wells said the landmark structure deserved attention to make sure what was left survives for decades to come.

A 45m government fund was announced last year to help restore decaying buildings with clear cultural and heritage merit in resorts.

The allocation of the money is being run by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

Awards are intended to unlock further funding from private sources.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that the National Piers Society put Bognor on its 2007 list of the ten piers most at risk. It was in eighth spot.

Pier enthusiast Cllr Wells, a Bognor Hotham member of Arun District Council, said: "It is disappointing to see another section of the pier has disappeared for ever. I fully understand the reason why it had to be done.

"What has happened has again raised the profile of the pier and the need to include it in all the discussions which are taking place about the regeneration of the town.

"I will be approaching the regeneration team at Arun to see what could be done about getting some of this finance which is available from the government.

"We need to see if any of that can be used to help out the pier owner. From a tourism point of view, the loss of more of the pier is a serious blow, especially if it has any implications on the Birdman.

"It's paramount that we keep Birdman because it is so important to the town's tourism economy."