SEAFRONT lanterns are set to be replaced after it was discovered they pose a "safety risk".

An inspection of more than 80 heritage lanterns in Brighton's Marine Parade and Madeira Drive found that 20 needed to be removed urgently.

A further 40 will be replaced within the next year.

Both the bracket and lanterns from each of the affected columns will be removed and replaced with temporary lighting "until a permanent solution can be found".

Contractors called in to carry out the work have been urged to try and preserve the original materials and an independent consultancy firm which specialises in lighting will be working with English Heritage to consider long term solutions to restore the historic lanterns, Brighton and Hove City Council said.

Amy Heley, chairwoman of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “We need to carry out this work urgently as some of the lighting now poses a risk to public safety.

"Our seafront lighting is an iconic part of the city and we will be looking at options for replacing the lanterns so that we don’t lose any of that visual history, but the safety of our residents and visitors is a key priority.

“The lanterns will be replaced with temporary lighting to ensure the areas are well lit and safe for people to continue using.”