Hastings Council said public safety had to come first regarding the pier

The owners of Hastings Pier were told to conduct a full survey in May, but the borough council has since taken its own action over structural concerns.

Consulting engineers Gifford of Southampton inspected an area under the main covered walkway and at least five trusses were "failed".

The pier has been immediately shut and a formal order will now be obtained.

The council said it would apply to Hastings magistrates on Wednesday for the 134-year-old pier to be closed under the Building Act 1984.

Falling metal

The part being shut is from the main entrance building onwards, including the bingo hall and amusement arcade.

The area of the pier immediately adjacent to the seafront promenade will remain open.

The council began investigating the state of the pier after pieces of metal were found to have fallen from the structure onto the beach below.

Warning signs were erected telling people not to walk underneath.

The independent engineers were bought in after the council was alerted to bookings being made for the pier's ballroom in July and August.

"Our consultant is of the opinion that it is unsafe to allow large numbers of people onto the pier," a statement said.