Part of Brighton's historic West Pier is set to be removed more than six years after the structure was severely damaged by fire and storms, as part of a new salvage and conservation operation.

The pier's former Concert Hall, which partially collapsed in stormy weather in December 2002 before being further damaged by fire in 2003, will be pulled down by demolition contractor Dorton Demolition. Engineers Hemsley Orrell Partnership are managing the West Pier Trust-led scheme, which will also see historically important items salvaged and stored in safe-keeping by the trust. The attraction's Pavilion Island will remain.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Mary Mears said: "For many, the removal of part of the West Pier will be a sad moment. It's part of our history and we've lived with it for a long time. "However, time moves on and we welcome the start of work to remove the remains of the old structure."