A court has ruled the south section of Hastings Pier must remain closed until essential repairs are completed.

The three-month battle between Hastings Borough Council and pier owners Ravenclaw Investments ended yesterday when District Judge Roger Ede granted the council's application for the order.

The council closed the structure over safety fears, using its emergency powers on June 16.

The council's engineer expert, William John Newton, said: "All piers reach the stage when they need major investment. This pier has reached that point. The structure itself is at risk.

"One cast-iron column, if pushed sideways too much, could give and with no warning at all it could collapse."

Mr Ede granted the order in light of the evidence from Mr Newton and with no evidence presented by Ravenclaw.

An application for costs from the council is being considered.

Kevin Boorman, of Hastings Borough Council, said: "Public safety has only ever been our objective. The judge has vindicated our position."

Ravenclaw's representative Harmesh Pooni said: "There are grounds on which we can challenge the order."

Peter Hargreaves, owner of Deluxe Bingo Hall and Stylus Sports, took Ravenclaw to the High Court in London last week and won with Ravenclaw being ordered to carry out repairs within 32 weeks. But he also wants compensation from the council because he believes it acted hastily.

Jenny Watson, owner of BJ's On The Beach, said: "The best thing that could happen is the council compulsory purchase the pier."