Most of the pier has been closed for more than two weeks

Ian Stuart, an adviser to Ravenclaw Investments, has asked for approval for immediate replacement of five steel trusses and connecting deck beams.

Mr Stuart said the work would take three weeks and he would only ask the council for £100,000 of the cost.

Hastings council closed most of the pier on 16 June over safety concerns.

It is shut from the main entrance building outwards, pending a court hearing on 9 August into an emergency closure application under the Building Act 1984.

'Best piers'

Both sides have been exploring ways of trying to get the pier reopened.

The council said the pier's foyer area was unsafe, but Ravenclaw Investments has rejected its findings and estimates.

Mr Stuart rescued the pier when it closed in 2000 when the then-owners went out of business, renovating the structure before selling it to the current owners, and has offered to help again.

He said: "I will personally guarantee the cost of replacing the five steels if needed, and any connecting deck beams, and will have contractors start the day after it is agreed with the council and the owners.

"This offer is to the people of Hastings to try and keep one of the best piers in the country open."

'Astronomical losses'

The council has required Ravenclaw to carry out a full structural survey of the pier and report on it by 21 July.

A spokeswoman said on Monday: "Our position remains the same and we are waiting for the survey to come back."