The Bluebird speedboats, among Eastbourne's most popular seafront attractions, are under threat after almost 40 years.

Generations of people have ridden on the boats from Eastbourne pier since 1969.

But they face the axe after the century-old cast iron steps leading to the landing stage were condemned.

Bluebird speedboat owner Alan Sadler says pier bosses are refusing to pay the thousands of pounds needed to restore the steps.

Eastbourne is the last Sussex resort to have Bluebird speedboats operating from its pier. During the Sixties they ran from four - both of Brighton's and those at Hastings and Eastbourne.

But over the years business dropped and now there are just two boats left at Eastbourne, running from Easter to October.

Mr Sadler, 49, of Winchcombe Road, Eastbourne, said: "It seems ridiculous to signal the end just because a set of steps has been condemned by the pier.

"Eastbourne needs as many attractions as it can get hold of but instead the town is letting one of its best attractions fold.

"The time and effort I have put into the boats has been massive over the years. Words cannot express how I feel. This has been my life. Now I will have to take on menial work of some sort."

Mr Sadler says too much money is being spent on restoring the pier's camera obscura, leaving little for its other attractions.

Pier general manager Graeme Sanderson said a solution was being sought for the speedboats to operate this summer.

But he said there were planning issues to contend with in restoring the steps, which would cost tens of thousands of pounds.

He said: "I am hopeful the boats will run but the longer this goes on the more unlikely that will become possible, certainly for this season.

"The boats have not been terminated. We are just looking for an alternative solution for them to operate."