The owner of Hastings Pier is appealing against a court order to keep part of the structure closed.

The sea end of the structure was closed in June by Hastings Borough Council over fears it was in danger of "imminent collapse".

In September, after several adjournments, the town's magistrates upheld the council's decision in the interests of public safety and imposed a court order to keep the pier closed until repairs were completed.

However, Ravenclaw Investments claims the decision was unfair as its expert witness was not heard.

The company's representative Harmesh Pooni believes it will win the appeal, leaving the council facing hefty compensation claims.

Mr Pooni added: "It is in the interests of the council and ourselves to work together. There is going to be a massive compensation claim and the council is liable for the period before the order was given. Once it is overturned, it will be liable for the whole period."

A council spokeswoman said it would contest any compensation claims.

Leader of the council Peter Pragnell said: "If discussions with Ravenclaw do not produce a satisfactory way forward, the council will need to consider what further legal action might be needed to get the repairs carried out."