I read recently that in the town of my birth, namely Brighton, a treasured link to the time of Victoria's England was destroyed in a storm.

I am writing of the West Pier, built purely for the pleasure of holidaymakers at a time when such a thing would have been frowned upon.

Those entrusted with its preservation showed an appalling lack of judgement and arrogance to allow this to happen, whether they be lawyers or public servants.

The structure withstood the ravages of time even when it was cut in half so the Germans could not use it as a landing platform in the threatened invasion of World War Two.

This peaceful icon would have been strafed by German aircraft to taunt the inhabitants.

However, it survived this to be renovated after the war to all of its former glory. If any man-made structure had class, the West Pier did, with its aspidistras, restaurant and palm court orchestra.

I mourn its passing and wonder perhaps if the Royal Pavilion will be ultimately divided into tiny apartments by those without pride or respect for England's heritage.

-Ian Greed, Perth, Australia