A historic attraction has been labelled an "eyesore" and "scrap yard" by some disappointed visitors.

Brighton's West Pier, which is classed as an attraction by review website Tripadvisor, was designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1866.

However, in 2003 the pier suffered two fires that destroyed the pavilion and the concert hall.

Since then the pier's remains have been left to the elements at sea.

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Although many visitors rate the pier as a significant historic landmark on the seafront, some visitors have slated the remains and dubbed the ruins an "eyesore".

The name of the pier also seemed to cause confusion among visitors when they saw the attraction was no longer something that can be walked across or to.

One visitor said: "Scrap iron heap that has long outlived its 'picturesque' purpose.

"Now looks out of place, dangerous and an eyesore."

Another reviewer called it an "unsightly spectacle".

They said: "It is tragic that the West Pier has been left to rot and is just an unsightly spectacle which blights Brighton seafront."

One unimpressed visitor said: "This was my first visit to Brighton and I can only imagine what a great place the West Pier was during its heyday.

"However, today it is just a rusting pile of scrap metal in the sea and I am not convinced that it is some sort of monument of glorious past."

Another reviewer, who rated the pier ruins one star, said: "Not sure how anyone would think this is attractive. It’s the remains of a pier that was burnt out about 30 years ago. Take it down."

One person called it "sad remains".

Despite criticism towards the pier and what is left of it, a number of visitors have left reviews admiring the landmark.

One person, who called the pier "ghostly", said: "A weird but enjoyable spectre on the seafront. Such a shame it burnt down but it still holds some fascination any time of the day."

Another reviewer said: "There are a lot of reviews referring to the West Pier as being an eyesore and needing to be demolished.

"As a visitor to Brighton, we looked out on it and found it quite eerie, poignant and, in its own way, beautiful.

"We love piers, and to see one that had been reduced to twisted, teetering ruins had quite an effect.

"Our four-year-old was very keen on knowing the story behind what he could see. Personally, I'd judge it to be a landmark in its own way, and one to be valued until it has finally succumbed to the ravages of nature."

One person who lives in the city said: "As a resident of Brighton I actually saw the pier sadly burn on two occasions.

"It is now an iconic landmark and will be with us until it falls into the sea. Beautiful on a clear day and at sunset."

The West Pier has an average rating of 3.5 out of five stars.