Losses incurred by pier traders have been described as astronomical

Most of the pier has been shut since Hastings Borough Council used emergency closure powers exactly a month ago.

The council has been stuck in a dispute with the pier's owner, Ravenclaw Investments, over carrying out repairs to an "unsafe" part of the structure.

Ravenclaw had said the pier would now shut but that was blocked on Friday.

Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors, representing three businesses still trading on the front of the pier, went to the High Court with an emergency application.

Mr Justice Blackburne granted them an injunction which stopped Ravenclaw shutting the pier.

Offer withdrawn

Solicitor Paul Maynard said: "This is the first piece of good news for the traders on the pier forecourt in this whole saga."

The entire pier was threatened with closure after an offer to carry out repair work, which was made to the council by one of Ravenclaw's advisers, was withdrawn.

The council was asked to contribute £100,000 but said it could not do so without knowing the details of what work would be done.

It has already told Ravenclaw to carry out a full structural survey of the pier by Friday.