Hastings Pier owner Ravenclaw has been given two months to commence repair work at the fire-damaged attraction before the local authority moves to acquire the site.

Members of Hastings Borough Council's (HBC) cabinet unanimously approved a proposal to pursue compulsory purchase order (CPO) proceedings in order to help secure the pier's future.

A major fire severely damaged the East Sussex town's pier in October 2010, but Ravenclaw has yet to start repair work and failed to respond to HBC's Urgent Works notice in July.

Details: www.hastings.gov.uk

Image: Hastings Seafront and Pier, March 2005 - Nick Lott