Hastings Pier was sold to Sheikh Abid Gulzar, from Eastbourne Pier, on Friday evening (June 15). The decision – made by administrators Smith and Williamson LLP – received a mixed response from Hastings Borough Council, with the leader calling it ‘disappointing’. Friends of Hastings Pier, a group of residents who fundraised to keep the pier in public ownership, said they were ‘sad and shocked’ by the decision to sell to Mr Gulzar. A spokesman for the National Piers Society said: “The National Piers Society welcomes the sale of Hastings pier to Mr Abid Gulzar and is confident that he will bring to it the same flair and enthusiasm that he has shown just along the coast at Eastbourne. We trust that the town will support the new owner as he secures the future viability of this landmark asset.” Related stories: BREAKING NEWS: Hastings Pier sold to private entrepreneur Pier administrators ‘explored many potential buyers’ in sale process Council bittersweet after Hastings Pier sale Why Hastings Pier was sold to Abid Gulzar Eastbourne Pier owner calls for positivity over Hastings Pier purchase Community group ‘sad and shocked’ by Hastings Pier sale Hastings council leader ‘disappointed and angry’ at pier sale Amber Rudd calls for meeting over Hastings Pier sale