Brighton's two piers have both taken well-publicised batterings this year.

Yet the consequences of a calamity which struck 30 years ago have still not been satisfactorily resolved.

When a 75-ton barge clattered into the end of the Palace Pier in 1973, it took out much of the treasured theatre which had been pulling in the crowds since 1910.

Thirteen years later, new owners the Noble Organisation began the distressing task of dismantling the theatre.

Many people were under the impression these valuable artefacts would be stored safely and carefully, to play a part in a later restoration.

Noble always said it wanted to provide a new leisure venue ideally by the Nineties.

Yet today, any hopes of seeing the theatre return in any shape or form appear dead in the water.

For decades, the Palace Pier and the West Pier could boast of attractive theatres beloved of performers and audiences.

How sad if the city must finally now accept both have been lost forever.