A metal hut being used as a makeshift council office has been branded an eyesore.

Brighton and Hove City Council's seafront officers have been shunted out of their office under the Kings Road Arches and into an ugly portacabin on the Lower Esplanade while repairs are carried out.

Staff have been working from the temporary structure since November, but have no idea how long it will be before they can return to their normal base.

Businesses and councillors have now hit out at council bosses and claimed the ugly office could damage trade.

Regency ward councillor Jason Kitcat said: “I had seen the ugly metal box but had no idea that's why it was there.

“It is quite unattractive and does spoil the look of the seafront.

“The seafront is a very important area for the city and keeping it looking attractive is very important for the seafront traders.

“The town hall is not very far away so I wonder whether they could be accommodated there?”

Adam Chinnery, chairman of the Seafront Traders’ Association, and owner of Brighton Watersports in the Kings Road Arches, said: “It is dysfunctional and it certainly is an eyesore."

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The seafront office is in need of roof repairs and until these have been completed the team has moved to a temporary portacabin. The team doesn't want to be there any longer than they really need to be and we're working to get the repairs under way, however we can't say how long it will take at the moment.”