John campaigns to 'Save The Pier!'

11.13.00pm GMT Thu 3rd Dec 2009

John Tunbridge says that "Despite spin to the contrary, the Pier is NOT in imminent danger of collapse!"

The Tory Council wants a Fairy Godmother to intervene. But if we wait, then in time the Pier could collapse. If it does, the Council will be forced to raise a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to demolish it. It will cost the taxpayer £4million.

The original Labour plan was to buy the Pier via a CPO, and let the Council be the owners; leaving the taxpayers of Hastings open to tax hikes in order to cover future restoration costs.

However, if the Council starts the CPO process NOW, a total figure of £4million - £2million each from Heritage Lottery and Bridge Builders - would be made available for restoration.

The Lib Dems were the first party to put forward the notion of a 'Back to Back' deal. In simple terms, the Council would buy the Pier and hand it straight over to the Hastings Pier and White Rock Trust. The only cost to the taxpayer would be the solicitors' fees in respect of the CPO and transfer.

People on the doorstep are saying that they want to Save the Pier! Please send a loud message to the Tory Council on December 10th: vote for the party that has worked hardest to Save the Pier! And help keep it safe for generations to come.