I would like to comment on two lines of argument repeated in the lively correspondence in The Argus on the West Pier.

Firstly, why were we not told years ago that an enabling development on the seafront was necessary to achieve the restoration of the West Pier?

The need was first raised by consultants to Brighton Council in 1992. The need was confirmed by different consultants to the trust in 1997.

Any study of back copies of The Argus or the trust's newsletters would prove the need for an enabling development on the site proposed has been in public domain for five years.

Secondly, why can't we leave the West Pier as it is and let it slip under the waves?

Leaving aside the clear public majority in favour of the restoration, that status quo is not an option.

The wreck of the West Pier has been tolerated by the environmental and maritime authorities because of the plans to restore it.

If those plans fail, the wreck will have to be cleared once a main building slips into the sea.

It would cost £2 million to clear and nobody is going to pay that cost for no return.

The Trust is pleased by the extent of the contributions to the public consultation on the project and looks forward to much more over the coming weeks.

-Dr Geoff Lockwood, chief executive, The Brighton West Pier Trust, Kings Road, Brighton