I have been itching to get this point off my chest for years and Rachel Clark’s comment in connection to the removal of the west pier columns, pictured, was just the lighting of the fuse needed.

Firstly I’m glad the columns are going to be used in some form of sculptured area... nice.

I also applaud the council’s revitalisation of that area including the arches.

I’m sure it will look great when it’s done and let’s hope the i360 gamble pays off and leads to a visionary new pier.

But, that’s not my point, what on earth does Rachel Clarke mean when she says: “rest assured the structure out at sea will remain”.

Does she think we are all proud of this carbuncle out at sea looking more like a mausoleum?

Ok it makes for a nice atmospheric photo, thousands to date, but even the starlings have deserted this rotting carcass.

I ask you this: “What has the West Pier Trust ever done for us” to butcher a well loved phrase.

Let’s see – nothing. They had a gift horse £14 million from the lottery, which they failed to capitalise on.

Have they ever tried to mobilise the people of Brighton, Sussex and further afield with a fund raising campaign worthy of note?

The West Pier was at one stage a viable restoration project.

With a £14 million pound kick start they could have made it happen but failed.

They have squirreled away pathetic pieces of the structure in the ridiculous notion that they can be reused.

Really? I’ve seen in other arenas how unqualified, misguided and visionless committees ruin any chance of progress by objecting or stifling any form of entrepreneurial innovation.

Some people love a good committee. It gets them out of the house.

I’m not sure what legal rights the trust has to the pile of scrap blotting our seascape.

As for Rachel Clarke and her fellow trust members.If you haven’t already done so nip down and take some pictures of your legacy before it’s gone.

Mr Chris Pobjoy, Old Shoreham Road, Portslade