Since the spate of pier fires in the last decade I would like to air an idea probably thought of by people responsible for restoration.

Since the piers were designed in the Victorian era, sprinkler systems had probably not been thought of or were deemed impractical.

Since access to any fire on a pier by fire engines or apparatus has always been difficult, if not impossible, a built in sprinkler system might have advantages, mainly in timing.

The difficulty is keeping something fully operational which might only be used once in 100 years.

If the town water supply at the pier head was adequate a subtle means of testing, say every six months, would have to be devised.

If the town water supply was not adequate, then perhaps pumped sea water from the end of the pier might be a possibility.

Then, in addition to testing, there would need to be thorough cleaning routine after testing to avoid build up of salt deposits.

G Ashby, Langdale Road, Hove