Structural integrity and maintenance of Hastings Pier

Dear Hastings Borough Council,

There have been concerns over the maintenance and structural integrity of the pier for many years.

a) A Recent article in the Argus concerning Hastings Pier states that HBC reassures residents that the structure is safe. Yet the council is quoted as stating that "Hastings Borough Council has not received any recent reports concerning the condition of Hastings Pier."

It is unclear how HBC can know the status of the structure given that it does not have any recent reports. ? How old are the structural reports that HBC holds? Does it actually have any?

This statement appears to conflict with statements made by Cllr Barnett in his role as leader of the council.

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25039459...

b) Cllr Paul Barnett leader of the council posted on the 23/3/2023 :
“What we can do it gather evidence, hold the owner to account and if we find sufficient proof, take action. This process started months ago but no one will thank us if we take costly legal action without a good chance of winning.”

It is unknown what evidence has been gathered and what action has been taken.

c) Councillor Jobson raised the issue at Full Council 26/04/2023
Cllr Jobson:
With Hastings Pier now facing major structural damage can we make sure it doesn’t fall into the sea? And can the council act swiftly with all parties here which is FOHP and also Mr Gulzar and make sure it’s not a liability for the council?
Cllr Barnett:
…. We’ve always known it’s an issue and we’ve had a watching brief for what’s going on.
We have to be clear as a council that before we take any action we have sufficient evidence to be able to justify the cost and the time it takes in that action. Because we only get one go at this. When and if we have sufficient evidence then we will take action. But at the moment apparently we don’t but I’m going to review the papers which have been sent to me by the FOHP and am happy to share the outcome of that with anyone else who is interested.
 
Please provide under EIR the following:

1. Details of inspection visits that HBC has made since 2018 to assess the structural integrity of the pier
2. List the reports that HBC holds concerning pier structural integrity. Please provide date, title and author of each report
3. Copies of each report listed in question 2.
4. List all evidence held by HBC concerning structural integrity and maintenance. Please provide date, title and author of each report
5. Copies of the evidence listed in question 4
6. Details of any action that HBC has taken to ensure that the pier is properly maintained and structurally sound.
7. Any documents concerning the outcome of HBCs review of the FOHP papers.

Yours faithfully,

Chris Hurrell

Dear Information Officer,

Thankyou for providing the Hastings Pier head Inspection Report – 2 March 2021 at low tide produced by East Sussex Building Control.

The report refers to another report produced by East Sussex Building Control. "The Inspection of the Parade extension and central section undertaken on the 3rd February 2021"

Could you please check to see whether HBC holds a copy of this report and provide a copy if held.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Hurrell