Wipe-clean paint which can resist graffiti and flyposters is the latest weapon in the war against vandals in Brighton and Hove.

Two new paint coatings are being used on litter bins in Cranbourne Street and Duke Street and on planters which form the green route of trees between Brighton and Hove.

The special coatings resist spray paint and marker pens, allowing them to be wiped away easily with a damp cloth.

The products are also non-stick, so flyposters and stickers can be easily removed.

At present, thousands of pounds are spent every year removing illegal posters and the scrawlings of graffiti vandals across the city.

Councillor Brian Fitch, who was involved in establishing the green route in the autumn, said planters containing evergreen oaks have been excessively damaged by graffiti.

He said: "We are hoping these new products will put a stop to the mindless vandalism that has spoilt the beauty of the green route.

"We must stop these people ruining what has the potential to be a very successful project. I am very angry that despite our efforts, graffiti has continued to be a problem in the city, costing the council thousands of pounds."

The council agreed to the trial after one of the products was demonstrated at a meeting of the graffiti strategy group, a joint initiative between the council, city centre businesses and police.

Executive member for the environment Councillor Chris Morely said: "The council, city centre business forum and police are committed to working together to rid the city of graffiti and flyposting. This new coating is another step forward in our strategy.

"If successful, the council will be looking at using these products more widely and will be urging local businesses to do the same."

The council expects to review the success of the anti-graffiti products within the next three months. If the trial proves a success, the scheme will be rolled out across the city and could be used to coat walls and other property.

The news has been welcomed by traders.

Peter Stocker, secretary of the North Laine Traders' Association and owner of the Workshop Pottery, said: "Graffiti is a real issue in North Laine. This Saturday, I came into work and found two 5m-long tags scrawled on the walls of my shop.

"Graffiti makes people feel generally unsafe and is a real nuisance. If this scheme is a success I would be delighted to see it extended across the city."