Photographs reveal extent of storm damage to West Pier

Storms cause significant damage

Photographs taken on Sunday, 25 October capture the damage to Brighton's West Pier following two consecutive storms. Storm Austen hit the county on Friday, 23 October with strong winds and heavy rain, causing the pier's right-hand side to collapse at around 9.30am. Further sections of the historic structure broke apart throughout the day as the storm continued. Over the weekend, Storm Boelo brought additional strong waves and high winds that caused further damage to what remained.

Camera Club member Claire Andrews documented the aftermath, showing the extent of destruction left by both storms. The photographs reveal the current state of the pier's structure following the events.

A structure with troubled history

The West Pier opened in 1866 as the second pier to be built in Brighton, following the Royal Suspension Chain Pier, which was destroyed in a storm in 1896. The pier head was extended in 1893 with a large pavilion decorated with oriental towers.

The pier closed to the public on 30 September 1975 due to safety concerns. Since then, it has deteriorated significantly. Parts of the structure fell into the sea in December 2002, with the concert hall collapsing the following month. On 28 March 2003, coastguard helicopters, lifeboats, police and firefighters responded to a fire that broke out on the pier. A second suspicious fire occurred on 11 May 2003, and the pier's last surviving kiosk was swept away in a storm in December 2005.

Community response

Members of the public expressed sadness at the damage the pier had faced. Simon Haffenden, who has lived in Brighton for 16 years, recorded video of the initial collapse as it happened.

Source: read the full story