Following the fire which ripped through a large section of Eastbourne’s pier two days ago (30 June), Prime Minister David Cameron and chancellor George Osborne have visited the site today.

After seeing the Grade II listed pier in its severely fire damaged state, Cameron commented that "The loss of one of Eastbourne's most prominent and well-loved landmarks will have hit the town hard".

With a determination to help local businesses recover from such devastation, Cameron and Osborne have pledged up to £2m, with the aim of cushioning such a blow at the height of Eastbourne’s tourist season.

Further help is at hand with the set up of The Eastbourne Pier Benevolent Fund, which will offer free market stall pitches and potentially empty shop spaces for those kiosk holders who are in need.

The pier was originally built in the 1870’s and designed by Eugenius Birch. Today a number of cafés, bars and a nightclub occupy the pier space, all of which have been severely damaged by the fire. Hopefully the money pledged to support local business owners will go some way towards helping local business recover.