BEST-selling crime author Peter James is urging people to pledge as much as they can to help save Madeira Terrace.

The writer said the terrace and its arches are up there with the Palace Pier as the most recognisable landmarks in Brighton, and the city “must” find the money to restore them.

The terrace – which is a Grade II listed structure – has fallen into disrepair over the past couple of years, prompting residents to launch the Save Madeira Terrace campaign group.

Mr James has already donated to the fundraiser, and wants others to do the same beforeit’s too late.

He told The Argus: “I think there are very few parts of the city that are utterly iconic, but the terrace and arches are some of them.

“Brighton would change so radically, and for the worse, without them.

“The view of them from the Palace Pier is one of the most beautiful in the world.”

Mr James feels the dilapidated and dangerous condition of the terrace is damaging businesses and is an issue that needs addressing.

Developers of the Sea Lanes project recently reduced their initial 150-year lease in favour of a five year contract due to the lack of investment in the terrace and concerns over its future. The plan is to create a complex at the derelict Peter Pan playground site with shops, restaurants and offices to be built.

Mr James said: “It is an utter tragedy that they have gone back on the longer lease.”

He added that one of his friends who owned an art gallery under the iconic terrace, had to shut because of the lack of safety in the area due to the condition of the structure.

“She was one of the first who had to move when the problems started,” he said. “Her business was badly affected by the problems which started about two years ago.

“That is what got me involved in the campaign.”

So far the Save Madeira Terrace fundraiser has received £196,000, with a final target of £429,581.

If it reaches that goal, the project will have a stronger chance of getting funding from the Government to restore the terrace, which will cost about £24 million in total.

To donate to the cause, go to www.spacehive.com/madeira-terrace.