The Joy of Sussex: No. 6 Piers

Once home to the clatter of arcade machines, a lavish ballroom, and a place for early evening strolls, the remains of the pier now lie silent, the home of starlings, and the inspiration for countless artists.

The grand old lady still captures the imaginations of all who look upon it, and despite no longer being a place for youngsters to win soft toys, families to tuck into a fish supper and a place for thrills or a show.

Perhaps it is the whimsical nostalgia associated with the West Pier, which echoes with the past, personifies our fascination with the Great British pier.

They are memories of childhood, memories of seaside holidays, and memories of a time long passed when Victorian ladies and gentleman strode upon the promenade and when mods and rockers did battle to the beat of the Rolling Stones.

The National Piers Society says we in Sussex have a “fine selection” of piers, with five still operating in the county.

Starting from the east, we have Hastings Pier, which was ravaged by fire only to be rebuilt with a lottery grant, and then Eastbourne Pier, which was also nearly claimed in a blaze but has just been handed to a new owner.

Next we have the mighty Palace Pier in Brighton, which is one of the country’s biggest leisure piers, then the art deco Worthing Pier with one of the last remaining pier end theatres, and finally Bognor Pier which is a popular nightspot with an over sea nightclub.

Anthony Wills, a director of the National Piers Society, said what fundamentally sums up our fascination with the structures is simply “piers are about having fun” and says they are here to stay.

He said: “They continue to enthral and entertain seaside visitors up and down the land. You can still go angling on them, catch a steamer, take in a show, feast on fish and chips, play the slot machines, experience the thrills and spills of the rides or simply relax in a deckchair and watch the world go by. You can even get married on some of them.”