Closed pier owner to stand trial

The pier was closed in June 2006 over safety concerns

Companies owning and operating Hastings Pier are to stand trial charged with breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act before its closure last summer.

Ravenclaw Investments Inc and Boss Management (UK) Ltd were committed to Lewes Crown Court at a hearing before Hastings magistrates on Wednesday.

They are due before the court on 15 June to answer three charges.

The companies are also due at the same court on Monday to appeal against the closure by Hastings Borough Council.

The council closed the central section of the pier in the interests of public safety on 16 June 2006 under emergency powers.

Hastings Magistrates upheld the council's closure decision in September.