TWO million pounds of Government cash will finally be paid to a town council – more than six months after the Prime Minister announced the grant.

David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne visited Eastbourne in August following the devastating fire that ripped through the historic pier.

The money will support numerous projects to regenerate and promote tourism in the town.

The 144-year-old pier was ravaged by the fire on July 31, reducing a large part of the Grade-II listed structure to ashes.

Councillor David Tutt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said the grant was “excellent news”.

He said: “It’s taken six months or so because the Government wanted a business case, to see where we’d spend the money.

“They came back and asked questions, and it’s taken a while, but the good news is that we will be getting it.

“The money will fund different projects which have been drawn together by range of different stakeholders in the town - including the Chamber of Commerce, The Hospitality Association and other voluntary services.”

When asked whether the £2 million grant was politically motivated, coun Tutt, a Liberal Democrat, said: “People can speculate on the reasons for Cameron offering the money, but as long as it helps the people of Eastbourne then it doesn’t bother me.

“I was standing watching plumes of smoke billow from the pier last year. There was a great deal of shock and sadness around then – but now we’re at the stage where we can build again and have lots to look forward to.”

Around £1.2 million has been earmarked for the Wish Tower development – an old fortified tower built in 1804 as part of the seafront’s coastal defences.

Other areas for development include repairs and refurbishment to allow access to the camera obscura on the pier, a new restaurant at Wish Tower, a history trail, a Christmas market and a statue acknowledging the pier fire.

A hardship fund for local traders affected by the fire and cash for tourism marketing initiatives has also been allocated.

The Argus understands the £2 million will be paid to the council next week following the submission outlining the projects to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

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