THE news that the Brenner family has sold the Grand Pier signals the end of an era. Most Westonians spent many a happy hour on the pier in their youth and later and

THE news that the Brenner family has sold the Grand Pier signals the end of an era. Most Westonians spent many a happy hour on the pier in their youth - and later - and the venue has been Weston's premier attraction for all of my life. Not only has the pier been maintained to the highest of standards but the family has put a great deal back into the community and I remember, in particular, the free and spectacular fireworks displays many of us have enjoyed over the years.It is always to be regretted when a subsequent generation does not want to maintain a family tradition but I hope the Brenner cousins will enjoy their retirement in the knowledge that they and the previous two generations made a significant contribution to the life and the economy of the town for more than half a century. But the passing of the Brenner family is balanced by news that Kerry and Michelle Michael are the new owners. They are very successful businesspeople and have a proven track record in Weston and elsewhere. I look forward to the unveiling of their ideas for the pier's development which will be more good news for locals and visitors alike.JOHN LEY-MORGAN - Town Mayor