A RETURN to former glory.

That is how residents across the generations have reacted to the news that the “Palace” will be restored to the Brighton Pier sign after almost 20 years.

The day after The Argus revealed that the owners of the attraction were finally planning to tear down its current emblem, we visited the pier to gauge the reaction of revellers.

And the response was unanimous – welcome back Palace Pier.

Some of the people we spoke to weren’t even born when the structure bore that name but they said history should not be ignored.

Student Lucy Barker, 20, taking pictures of the sea from the pier, was fully in favour of the change.

“It’s important to keep tradition,” she said. “I get why Brighton Pier might be simpler for those who don’t live in Brighton but it’s good to keep that connection with the past.”

Lucy’s comments chimed with those of financier Luke Johnson when he bought the venue in 2016: “We wanted the pier to reflect its history.”

Another young woman who had no knowledge of the sign in its original incarnation, 18-year-old Amy Templeman, also gave her stamp of approval.

She said: “I think the new name will suit the Victorian architecture of the pier and return it to former glory.”

Some of those enjoying the pier on a grey, windswept day remembered its former title – and the disorientating decision of then owners The Noble Organisation to drop the “Palace” from the sign two decades ago.

“It was always called the Palace Pier when I was a child so I don’t know why they had to change it in the first place,” said Tracey-Ann Granger, 50, who grew up in Brighton but moved to Plymouth 15 years ago. She was visiting the pier with her daughter Lily.

“I have always referred to it as the Palace Pier and it’s really nice to have it return.”

Her sentiments were echoed by James Brakes, 42, taking a stroll along the wooden boards with his family.

“It was known as Palace Pier for over 100 years – to me it’s always been called that,” he said.

The level of passion on the issue of the pier’s sign may confuse those who don’t live in Brighton, but it is clear that this is what the city wants.

Gerry Rowan, 50, a Brighton resident of 20 years, summed up the strength of feeling around the topic.

“For those who have lived here for a really long time, Palace Pier is a more relevant and significant title.”