Community figures behind an Aids memorial are confident it will be unveiled on time - despite a £15,000 funding shortfall.

The Brighton and Hove Aids Memorial has been more than two years in the planning.

The 11ft statue, which will cost more than £40,000, is intended as a permanent reminder to those who have died and those whose lives have been affected by the condition.

Despite the funding shortfall, those in charge of the project believe the remaining money will be found.

James Ledward, editor of GScene, an LGBT lifestyle, listings and community magazine for Brighton and Hove, and the memorial’s accounts administrator, said: “We are extremely confident we will have all the money in place by the time it opens.

“The actual estimate was made two years ago and, as we know, things have changed since then.

“The project has been funded as we have gone along so we were always aware we would need this money.”

Councillor Paul Elgood, a member of the project’s consultation group, said: “It has reached a really exciting stage in the project.

“We want to make sure the statue is a lasting reminder and I’m sure when it’s complete everyone will see that.”

The statue, due to be unveiled in the New Steine, Kemp Town, Brighton on October 9, will be paid for entirely by private donations.

So far, more than £27,000 has been raised from individuals and businesses in the city.

The remaining £15,000 is needed to pay for transportation from the foundry in Essex, installation and lighting costs.

Sculptor Romany Mark Bruce has been working on the memorial for the last two years free of charge.

He said: “The statue should be completed in the next couple of weeks.

“I wanted it to be a positive piece and be a permanent reminder of an issue which in recent years has been placed a little on the back-burner.

“I have no doubt the money and the statue will be in place in time.”

Fundraisers are already queuing up to find the remainder of the money.

On September 2 the Brighton Drag Queens and Entertainers will perform From Broadway To Brighton at the Old Market, Hove.

A Three Gay Choirs Concert on the evening of the installation has also been planned.

To donate visit www.aidsmemorial.org.uk