AN MP has defended the city after a teacher and animal activist has said he feels “safer” walking around Bangkok and Hanoi compared to the city.

Chris Pobjoy, from Worthing, visited eight countries in nine months. He travelled to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia.

The 59-year-old said: “I started in Borneo volunteering for an orangutan charity for three months. Then I went to Sumatra, Java and Bali.

"Later I taught English in Vietnam and Thailand. After returning from my travels I was looking forward to reacquainting myself with my hometown.

"Like a lot of Sussex folk, I consider Brighton to be my spiritual home. Brighton has its merits and I do love it, but it’s blighted by antisocial behaviour and filth.

"I spent about a fortnight jumping on and off buses and trains, going to pubs and restaurants around the city and generally walking around.

“I promise you in some cases, I felt safer walking around the likes of Hanoi or Bangkok, seriously.

"Some people might think I am exaggerating, but gangs of feral youths, open drug dealing and use, rough sleepers and street drinking are much worse than what I had witnessed in Asia.

"And let’s be honest, Brighton town centre is dirty. I know some will say it’s cutbacks and austerity, but it’s not good enough and has to stop.”

Mr Pobjoy added he had met many tourists in the city in the last few weeks and they said they would not return to Brighton.

He said: “In cities like Kuala Lumpur, it’s a fusion of cultures in harmony. Some of the most sophisticated areas alongside the poorest.

"Kindness and generosity in equal measure. Vast metropolis and ancient ethnic rural cultures.”

But Labour MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, said: “What I love about Brighton is seeing people having a good time.

"Whether it’s families going to the beach, or having a party or looking at the Pavilion, Brighton provides something for everybody and residents are willing to join in the fun.

"It is still a very popular holiday destination for many.”