The collapse of the West Pier will not affect the will to restore the Grade I listed building.

Last week, the concert hall fell into the sea after previously partly collapsing and being damaged by fire.

This led to queries about whether plans to restore the pier, part of which dates back to 1866, were worthwhile.

English Heritage is considering whether to suggest restoring the pier to its original 1866 state rather than a full restoration.

Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive of the Brighton West Pier Trust, said the latest collapse was a further blow to public confidence about its eventual restoration.

He said: "Looking at her now, there is dismay and anger that only four years ago she was largely intact.

"We had strengthened her structure and thousands of people were able to walk on her deck after a gap of over two decades.

"Her present state is a result of over-cautious public bodies, determined opposition from the owners of the Palace Pier, the pink-tape of lawyers, the arson of gangsters and the failure of the Trust to overcome these difficulties.

"The Trust remains confident that the old lady will rise again. The whole of the remaining structure could collapse into the sea without removing that confidence.

"We have all of the necessary engineering records in place to ensure repair and reconstruction to the pier's authentic appearance, ranging from historic documentation to recent laser studies.

"We have a large stock of artefacts so that the reconstruction will include original features. Much of what was burnt or collapsed would have been removed, and what is reusable is still on site, especially the original piles.

"Sad though she looks now, compared to four years ago, that deterioration has had little effect on our technical ability to give new life to the beloved West Pier."

Dr Lockwood said the trust and the council were working closely with English Heritage on plans to repair and reconstruct the pier.

He added: "The fate and future of the pier rests on crucial discussions in London over the next couple of months.

"It is important we in Brighton and Hove maintain our support for positive action over those months.

"If English Heritage is to be successful in its negotiations it needs to know that we, far from losing faith, are ready to play our part in the struggle to resurrect a key symbol of our local heritage."