Liberal Democrat councillors have dismissed suggestions that Brighton and Hove should twin with Miami Beach.

They argue the proposal is another distraction for the city council, which they claim fails to address the city's growing needs.

The Argus revealed last week that the Florida resort had approached to Brighton and Hove.

Council policy is not to twin with any town or city but this will be reviewed next year.

Lib Dem council group leader Paul Elgood said: "The prospect of twinning with Miami Beach comes hot on the heels of the failed City of Culture bid.

"When is this council going to concentrate on what it should be doing, namely delivery of decent services for residents?

"I am not opposed to cultural and education links with other places but the cities should be within easy and cheap reach for groups such as schoolchildren and older people to take advantage of and learn more about different countries.

"Miami is just too far away and too expensive for such groups to be able to visit."