Court ruling backs pier closure

The front part of the pier in Hastings is still open for visitors

Part of Hastings Pier is to remain closed after a magistrates' court heard evidence from a civil engineer.

Hastings Council said the pier closure was now under power of the court.

The council had closed the central section of the pier in the interests of public safety on 16 June under its own emergency powers.

A spokeswoman said: "We are now looking forwards to the pier's long term future." She said pier owners Ravenclaw Investments gave no evidence in court.

Traders won a legal challenge in July to keep the front part of the structure open.

Hastings Council later launched a campaign to remind visitors that the traders were still open for business.

The closure of the pier in June followed a dispute between the council and the owner over repairs to part of the structure.