Animal rights protesters have stepped up their campaign against an aquarium's plans to create two seal and otter pools.

They say the Sea Life Centre's revised proposals, which give more detail about the canopies and railings to protect the creatures, are "wholly inadequate".

Campaigners are demonstrating outside the centre on Saturday and will lobby Brighton and Hove city councillors before they discuss the application at next Wednesday's planning meeting.

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition demanding the £250,000 scheme for the Madeira drive site in Brighton is abandoned.

Sue Baumgardt, of Brighton Animal Action, said the proposed railings would not stop drunken revellers throwing rubbish into the enclosures.

Ms Baumgardt, 60, of Stoneham Road, Hove, said: "I don't know how they are going to stop yobs climbing in. It does not matter how high the railings are people will still get in if they want to. This is not the environment for these seals. It is a money-spinning enterprise and has nothing to do with animal welfare."

One tank would house two captive-bred common seals which cannot legally be released into the wild. A second tank would house Asian shortclawed otters.

Ms Baumgardt said: "Even though they have been bred in captivity these seals still have a desire to range and what is being suggested is a very restrictive environment."

Following concerns from campaigners about the safety of the animals, the application was deferred on March 15 so more details could be added.

The revised application states 1.2m high acrylic panelled barriers would be put up within the basking areas of the enclosures and 1.1m railings around the outside.

Laser beams, which would detect trespassers, and prickly bushes to deter people from climbing the railings have also been added, gaining the support of Sussex Police who originally opposed the application.

The plans also include 2m-high security gates, the conversion of the disused ticket kiosks, a water feature, the relocation of the entrance, alterations to disabled access and the renovation of a canopy.

Denise Friend, 50, of Brighton Animal Action, said: "I am surprised the police are now in support. The plans are wholly inadequate and I really don't think they give proper protection to the animals.

"There should be a security guard there on a 24/7 basis to make sure no one goes in. If they are caught by the beams and CCTV it will be too late."

Campaigners are also concerned the animals will be distressed by firework displays and say allowing the scheme would contradict the council's Animal Welfare Charter.

Although animal welfare cannot be considered as part of the application, Green councillor Georgia Wrighton said councillors could reject the plans if they think work would ruin the listed building.

Toby Forer, general manager of the Sea Life Centre, said: "Additional information required by the committee has now been supplied to planners for review next Wednesday.

This included additional information relating to railings, canopies and themed interfaces to the pools. The pools are designed to offer space and enrichment for the animals, shelter will be from canopies and formed covers.

"We are extremely well respected within the fields of animal welfare and husbandry techniques, the pools offer long-term shelter and very positive facilities for the creatures.