Pictures courtesy of Peter Norman

HASTINGS Pier reopened to the public this morning.

Owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar arrived shortly before 11am to find a film crew among those waiting to greet him. Opening the gates he said: “I am delighted that Hastings Pier is once again open to the public and look forward to seeing the site busy in the coming days and weeks

“As the public are aware, I have plans to make the pier a success and the start of this is to recruit staff.

“That is already taking place, I can confirm that interviews are today on Hastings Pier for staff. That process is ongoing.”

Mr Gulzar says he is keen to open the retail units, including the fish and chip shop, as soon as possible: “It may be April 1st but this is no joke, I am going to make Hastings Pier great again. I am building up a great committed team who are 100 per cent behind my plans and ideas.”

Mr Gulzar says he is already planning a celebration opening for the whole community.

Yesterday Mr Gulzar appeared on BBC1’s Sunday Politics South East where he hit out at MP Amber Rudd and council leader Peter Chowney for not offering financial support, he said he was the only one putting is money where his mouth was.

You can see the full interview by following the link below…(the piece on Hastings Pier begins at 22m 13secs

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0003yqz/sunday-politics-south-east-31032019