COUNCILLORS have called on the Transport Secretary to take urgent action to improve a major gateway into the city which they say has become an eyesore.

Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald and his fellow ward councillors Carol Theobald and Lee Wares have signed a letter to Chris Grayling calling for improvements to the Patcham roundabout.

The traffic island, maintained by Highways England, is one of the first views that thousands of motorists see when they come to the city.

More than a year ago, the road authority cleared all vegetation on the roundabout to improve sight lines which councillors welcomed but they have concerns that the roundabout now looks “dreadful” despite promises by Highways England to allow the roundabout to be replanted.

The councillors said they have managed to find businesses willing to sponsor the works but the council is unable to take them up on their offer because of Highways England’s inaction.

The letter states: “As elected representatives of this city we are frankly embarrassed that the first impression of Brighton and Hove that many of the visitors to these great events are given is of this unsightly mess.”