The pier was built as Colwyn Bay became a tourist resort

Mike Paxman bought Victoria Pier in Colwyn Bay with his wife in 1994, with the intention of transforming its large ballroom into a casino and tourist attraction.

Despite completely overhauling the once-derelict pier, he has been held back from further developing it by fire regulations.

Mr Paxman, 57, tried to raise the cash for further building work but said he has grown tired of the "stress".

He plans to advertise the cast iron, steel and wooden structure, which is 160ft long and 50ft wide, on the internet auction site ebay.

"The pier has been a real labour of love for me and my wife," he said.

"We worked extremely hard on it and I am still convinced it has huge potential, if you have the money to invest.

'Global developer'

"But there comes a time when you feel you can't take any more stress.

"It will be on ebay within the next two weeks. I want to put it on the internet because that may attract global developer who has the cash to do it properly."

Mr Paxman, who also works as a marine engineer, refused to reveal how much he paid for the pier or how much he wants for it.

The pier, first opened in 1900 at the height of Colwyn Bay's popularity as a holiday resort, has had several owners and survived two threats of demolition over the years.

Most of it was reopened in 1995 after it was bought privately by Mr and Mrs Paxman.