Millions of pounds are to be spent clearing Brighton and Hove's streets of beggars.

The city was today selected as one of ten places in Britain to share a £70 million fund aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour.

Announcing the action plan, Home Secretary David Blunkett said he expected to see the number of beggars cut by 60 per cent in 18 months.

He blamed a "hard core" of 25 persistent beggars for contributing to a climate of intimidation in the city and said: "We have got to get tough with people."

Brighton has been selected for "trailblazer" status because ministers have been impressed with early results from a series of local initiatives.

In the summer, it became the first in the country to introduce city-wide powers enabling police to confiscate alcohol from antisocial drinkers in public places.

The city council has also established an Anti-Social Behaviour Team dedicated to tackling problems such as nuisance neighbours, noise and vandalism.

Coun Gill Mitchell, chair of the city council's Community Safety Forum, said: "We're pleased it has been recognised at the highest level that although there are problems in the city we are really working to deal with the issues and come up with creative, innovative solutions."

District Commander for Brighton Central, Chief Inspector Lisa Pearcey said: "The police are pleased we now have the opportunity to work with the Home Office to do even more to tackle antisocial behaviour in our city."

The Action Plan will aim find solutions, troubleshoot problems and deliver improvements.