A MAYOR has apologised for not maintaining social distancing after opening a pier.

Hastings mayor Councillor Nigel Sinden attended an event on Hastings Pier to mark its reopening yesterday.

But today he apologised after photos circulated on social media of him standing close to others on the pier.

Cllr Sinden said it “wasn’t possible” to maintain social distancing on the pier as people “crowded in”.

“We did try to keep apart," he said.

“But at times people crowded in and it wasn’t possible to maintain the two-metre distance at all times.

“I accept that I should lead by example, and I am very sorry that I didn’t on this occasion.

“I will not attend any more events in person until it is safe to do so.

“We have done very well to keep Covid-19 levels low in Hastings, and I obviously want it to stay that way.“

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