The whole of Hastings Pier has been closed since November

The central section of Hastings Pier has been closed for a year after the borough council used emergency powers to shut it because of safety concerns.

Repairs underneath the bingo hall and Bar Luxor were funded by the premises' owner, Stylus Sports, and the council.

The facilities are now due to reopen to the public on Friday evening.

Peter Hargreaves, managing director of Stylus Sports, said: "This is not just good news for us but also for the future of the pier in general."

Health and safety case

Mr Hargreaves committed £200,000 to the repair work because he felt it was essential to have at least part of the pier up and running again for the summer trading season.

The application to reopen the bingo and bar facilities was granted on Wednesday at Hastings Magistrates' Court.

It followed an early morning visit by council and Stylus Sports engineers to inspect the repairs.

Council spokesman Kevin Boorman said: "Safety of the pier has always been our only consideration... we wish Stylus Sports well and welcome the initiative that has been taken."

The company carried out the repairs itself because the pier's owner, Ravenclaw Investments, had failed to do so.