Controversial plans for a £230,000 waterspout on Worthing seafront were today hanging in the balance after a public outcry.

Many people who responded to a consultation exercise branded the sea fountain a waste of money.

Now supporters are considering how they can salvage the innovative scheme, which would be paid for with private money.

The idea was drawn up as part of ambitious proposals to revamp Worthing seafront.

The waterspout would have been situated south of the pier, beyond the low tide mark, sending a plume of water 150ft into the air. It would have been illuminated at night.

Another contentious issue, the conversion of promenade toilets into a cafe, may also fall by the wayside.

But supporters of the project said they were keen to press on with the majority of their plans to transform the seafront.

They are currently seeking more cash to add to the £100,000 they have already secured from the borough council.

Councillor Tim Dice said it was vital a rolling programme of improvements, funded annually by the council, was activated to achieve their aims.

A total of 133 responses were received to the questionnaire, plus 21 separate letters.

Most welcomed the improvements package and the majority of the initiatives, but there was dissent over the spout and the cafe.

Schemes that found favour included removing the modern building near the pier entrance, setting up information boards on the history of the pier, putting a refreshment kiosk on the pier and installing new decorative lighting along the seafront.

There was also support for public art, including a sculpture trail, new seats and litter bins and repainting the white beach huts in pastel colours.

One campaigner said a lot of people supported the waterspout and cafe, but these ideas had also generated the most criticism.

Council officers are now studying the results before deciding what schemes should be pursued.