Hoteliers have vowed to see Worthing seafront improvements go ahead despite a council freeze on cash for the revamp.

Worthing Hospitality Association was dismayed when the borough council said there would be no money to upgrade the promenade during the coming year.

The council said it wanted to spend the cash on the ailing Aquarena swimming pool and Worthing Leisure Centre instead.

But critics argued this would wreck the momentum of the past few years, during which more than £200,000 has been spent on upgrading facilities and tidying up what is regarded as the town's showpiece.

Now, the association has pledged to purchase up to 12 more cordyline trees for both East and West Worthing to continue with the improvements.

Sue Murray, outgoing chairman of the association, said: "We would like to sponsor ten or possibly 12 trees."

Councillor Maurice Tucker, Liberal Democrat chairman of the leisure committee, said he was delighted.

When cordylines were planted along the seafront from Splash Point to West Buildings last year, they were widely acclaimed as a boost to the seafront's appearance.

Other improvements included an Edwardian-style beach shelter near the Lido, information boards, new lighting and palm trees in containers.

Work has started on another beach shelter opposite Byron Road in preparation for a roof similar to the one near the Lido.

Windsor Lawns, in East Worthing, is also being upgraded with improved lighting, seats and flower beds.

The borough council has pledged to kick-start improvements again in 2004-5 with cash from developers building luxury flats on the site of the Warnes Hotel.