HASTINGS Borough Council tourism bosses want to meet new pier owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar.

The sale finally went through late last night.

The council says it is obviously pleased that the town’s pier has a long term future, but has expressed concerns about the sale process.

Council spokesman Kevin Boorman said: "We are very pleased that our pier, one of the town’s most popular attractions, has had so much interest, and that it has been sold as a going concern.

“We cannot comment on the new owner’s plans, as he has not yet shared them with us. We do hope that we are able to meet him very soon.

“We did meet some of the other bidders, and their plans were exciting; we are disappointed that they weren’t given the time they asked for to develop them, as they could have had a major transformational effect on the town.

“We know that a lot of people, paid staff and many volunteers, have worked very hard indeed over the past few years to secure a long term future for the pier, and we would like to pay tribute to them. If it hadn’t been for their efforts, the pier would not have been saved. We are very grateful indeed for all that they have done.”