A town centre campaigner is hoping a £100,000 legacy will be used to revamp a neglected Worthing garden.

The cash was left to the town by spinster Mary Shaw in memory of her brother John, who died in 1984.

Miss Shaw, who died on May 9, 2001, leaving £902,671, said she wanted the money to be used for a project which the council could not otherwise fund.

Chris Spratt, chairman of Worthing Town Centre Initiative, wants the money to rejuvenate run-down Liverpool Gardens.

He said: "It is a golden opportunity to significantly enhance the area."

The project includes new railings, flower beds and pathways, returfing, and art features.

Mr Spratt, a Worthing estate agent, is also looking at the possibility of moving in a disused fountain from the boating lake near the Aquarena.

Humphrey Avon, developer of the Montague Centre shopping complex, which borders Liverpool Gardens, wants to remove four giant bronze heads, sculpted by Dame Elisabeth Frink, from their plinth overlooking the site.

Mr Avon, who would like the heads, called Desert Quartet, in the garden of his Bramber home, would replace them with sculptures of two horses and two dogs.

Mr Spratt said: "I think it would be a great shame if there wasn't some art there. Whether it should be Frink bronzes is a matter of debate."

John Underwood, a solicitor with Miller Parris in Worthing, who is dealing with Miss Shaw's will, said: "Her brother worked in the rates department of the council all his life.

"They both loved Worthing and this is their thank you to the town."

Cliff Harrison, head of the council's technical services, said: "The letter from Miss Shaw's solicitors came out of the blue but obviously it is most welcome and we will use it wisely to benefit the whole community."

A number of schemes were being looked at, including Liverpool Gardens and a visitors' centre at Highdown Gardens on the outskirts of Worthing.