A GOVERNMENT minister said help could be at hand for Brighton’s under-threat Victorian seafront in the shape of a £90 million coastal towns and cities fund.

Coastal communities minister Mark Francois invited Brighton and Hove City Council to bid for a slice of the money which will be made available later this year.

Mr Francois said he would visit to see the corroded arches for himself - but had yet to be invited.

Council leader Warren Morgan revealed earlier this week the authority was facing a £30 million bill to replace the iconic seafront arches in Madeira Drive.

Art gallery JAG and rehearsal space Studio 284 were told last week to move out of their premises while music venue Concorde 2, which remains open, will undergo further structural tests in the upcoming weeks.

Mr Francois was in Bognor to unveil the latest Coastal Communities Fund financed project outside the town’s station yesterday when he spoke to The Argus.

Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company received £2.3 million from the fund at the start of the year as part of an ongoing project to bring the coastal attraction back to life.

The city has also been included along with Eastbourne among 12 coastal towns selected for a new project earlier this year which gives them access to £3 million coastal revival fund.

Mr Francois said it was “possible” that he could visit the city to see the dilapidated Victorian terraces.

He said: “What I can say now is there will be another round of Coastal Communities Funding announced after the autumn statement of around £90 million and it could be that Brighton will want to bid for that.

"There is also a £3 million coastal revival fund that they can put themselves forward for.

“I haven’t received such an invite [to come visit the Terraces] at the moment.

“I cannot off the cuff promise Government money to help alleviate this problem but as I say there is funding to help coastal communities and it could be that Brighton would want to apply for that.”