This was taken in the early to mid 1980's and shows Ventnor Pier intact but if I remember as well as the fencing half way down the piers length it was fenced off at the esplanade for public safety.  The 'Ocean Bar' at the end of the pier looked very neglected and unsafe at the time this was taken.

Taken in 1993 from inside The Spyglass Inn looking out at some evening entertainment, there in the background is all that is left of Ventnor's Pier.  The demolition barge is moored to the end of The Pier.  It didn't go down without a fight though as I distinctly remember me and my fiancé sat inside  having a pint and looking out toward the barge demolishing the remains of the pier.  The weather was a little rough outside and this was a mild form of entertainment watching a large concrete reinforced cylinder being swung precariously from a crane sat on a barge hitting the pier 'occasionally'.

Anyway it proved too much for the demolition gear as something snapped and the concrete cylinder flew into the air and sank in an instant, extra amusement was had by watching the disgruntled crane operator climb out of his cab walk to the edge of the barge and stare into the water obviously looking for where it went!  Quite amusing over a beer or two.

Ventnor Bandstand 2003.  Showing some of The Winter Gardens and waterfall in the foreground.  The Bandstand sits on top of a water treatment plant which is where Ventnor Pier used to be.  The hairpin road down to The Esplanade is very steep.