Bingo Helps Re-open Historic Hastings Pier

by Hollie Sanders

The Hasting Pier was opened in 1852, but sadly in 1996 it was put up for sale, unfortunately there were no buyers for it as no-one wanted to invest the amount of money that was needed to make improvements on its supports.

In 2002 Hastings pier was eventually sold, but in 2006 the Hastings borough council decided to close the pier they were concerned about safety issues. Thanks to bingo in the form of Stylus Sports, who already owned a bingo hall on the pier, this historic pier was partially re-opened again in July 2007.

Mr. Peter Hargreaves the Managing Director of Stylus Sports committed £200,000 to the repairs on the pier, and the borough council the balance of £100,000. Stylus Sports concerns were not only with the fact that they operate a bingo hall from the Hastings Pier, but also that they are greatly concerned with the general future of the pier.

So many old structures are lost due to lack of funds or quite simply lack of interest, and it is good to know that bingo plays an important role in trying to preserve these historic structures for the future enjoyment and appreciation of all UK residents.