The fate of Eastbourne Pier has taken centre stage in Parliament, as the town's MP, Josh Babarinde, uses an unorthodox method to drive home his concerns. During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mr Babarinde made a personal pledge to reveal a tattoo of the iconic pier if Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy agrees to back his 'Protect Our Pier' campaign and meets with him to discuss safeguarding measures.
For residents of Eastbourne, the pier is more than just an economic asset – it's deeply personal. Mr Babarinde's own body art serves as a testament to this emotional connection. He highlighted the escalating maintenance costs faced by other historic piers across the UK and expressed his fear that Eastbourne Pier may be next in line for significant financial burdens.
In response, Mr Babarinde has initiated a petition calling on the Government to collaborate with local communities, stakeholders, and heritage organisations to explore potential support mechanisms for historical pleasure piers. This echoes the situation in his constituency, where Eastbourne Borough Council is working closely with the Official Receiver to secure an outcome that ensures the pier remains accessible.
The complex web of issues surrounding Eastbourne Pier's ownership continues to unfold. Acquired by businessman Sheikh Abid Gulzar in 2015 following a devastating fire, the pier's future hangs in the balance. Companies House records indicate that Lions Pier Limited, owned solely by Mr Gulzar, is currently in liquidation. Furthermore, Mr Gulzar faces trial in November on charges of £150,000 worth of fraud concerning water bills at his East Sussex hotels.
Mr Babarinde's appeal underscores the pressing need for coordinated action between private and public sectors to preserve such Victorian structures. With substantial investment required for long-term preservation, the fate of Eastbourne Pier serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing our country's heritage assets.