All the debate about the future of the West Pier in Brighton has tended to neglect the only current visitors to the stricken structure.
There are 50,000 starlings roosting on the pier and rare peregrine falcons have also been spotted there.
If new plans for the pier are approved, special conditions are likely to be included to protect the starlings and falcons.
But if the pier is left to rot, it will be strictly for the birds.
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