The front part of the pier in Hastings is still open for visitors

The borough council's decision to close it in June in the interests of public safety was upheld by the town's magistrates' court in September.

Pier owners Ravenclaw Investments will also meet the council to discuss mending the structure.

Both the company and the council said the meeting would take place "as soon as possible".

Harmesh Pooni, commercial manager for Ravenclaw Investments, said the company would have to sit down with the council the discuss the pier's long-term future.

I am happy to set up a trust to protect the structure for an eternity Harmesh Pooni

Peter Pragnell, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said the fact that the owners had employed skilled engineers was "a very welcome development".

"I hope it is the precursor of them discussing with us a sensible scheme of repair," he said.

Mr Pragnell also said the council was aware of a separate successful legal action by a pier tenant against Ravenclaw over repairs to the part of the structure the tenant occupied.

'Potential buyer'

Mr Pooni said it would have been unfair to carry out repairs for Stylus Sports, which owns a bingo hall in the central part of the pier. He also said the same company had submitted a compensation claim to the council.

A council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm we will be contesting any compensation claims received in respect of the action we took on the pier."

Mr Pooni also said he had heard the council had had meetings to find a potential buyer for the pier.

The spokeswoman confirmed there had been meetings with pier trusts, experts and other local authorities for their experience about owning piers and advice about "the best way forward".

Mr Pooni said he would be "happy to set up a trust to protect the structure for an eternity".