Barry Jones said he intends to step down from his role after four years as chairman of the International Bognor Birdman Ltd.

His announcement came as it was confirmed this year's event will be held off Worthing Pier on July 5 and 6.

Mr Jones, involved with Birdman since 2004, said he was convinced Bognor could still have hosted the event for its 30th birthday party in the town in spite of the recently-shortened pier.

"We could have run the event in Bognor and it should still be here," he said.

"It just required a flexibility of mind to change things around, but that just didn't occur.

"I would hate Birdman to be lost to the town forever. I just hope someone is willing to stand up and take it on for next year.

"I shall resign as chairman. There's no doubt about that.

"I am only sad my health would preclude me taking the lead, but I will always be happy to advise as required."

The crisis over Birdman arose on March 27 when pier owner John Ayers removed around 60ft from the structure's seaward end.

By making the end of the pier closer to the shore, this cut the depth of water into which the Birdmen and women could fly, or plunge, 35ft from a ramp.

But heart surgery patient Mr Jones, who is also the company's treasurer and secretary, said the situation was less serious than it appeared.

The only real problem concerned the Kingfisher class for those who dress up to raise money for charity.

The entrants in the other classes – Condor and Leonardo – usually flew a long way and dropped into the water from only 2ft high. One of the regular fliers, American Dave Moore, confirmed this to Mr Jones.

For the Kingfishers, Mr Jones said the problem could be overcome by setting up a platform in the sea to the east of the wide pier section.

This would be as high as the rails around the pier and would involve a drop of 16ft into 12ft 6in of water at high tide.

"This new platform to the east for Kingfisher class would have been far more visible to the public and an improved siting for the event," he said.

"Not being such a scary height, we could have received more entrants and been able to have a full programme on both the Saturday and Sunday."

He sought guidance from the oceanography departments at universities in Bangor and Southampton.

Bangor suggested 12ft 6in of water was adequate for a 35ft drop or 10ft 8in for 16ft. Southampton said 16ft of water was safe and 10ft acceptable from 35ft.

But he said his two fellow directors of the Birdman company relied upon guidance they received from diving clubs that 18ft of water was needed from a 35ft dive, which meant they were unwilling to risk a competitor being injured.

One of those closely involved with Birdman and the switch to Worthing, town and district councillor Jim Brooks, told Bognor Regis Town Council a change of venue was the only way to keep Birdman alive.