GIANT letters could be dotted around the city as part of plans to boost tourism after the Covid pandemic.

The letters, spelling out "Brighton" and "Hove", could be placed at Patcham roundabout, railway stations and the seafront to boost the city's profile.

Conservatives have put forward the idea among a number of budget proposals that will be presented to the policy and resources committee tonight.

The Tories have criticised the way the council has treated the tourism sector, which they see as key to the city's recovery after the pandemic.

READ MORE >> Brighton and Hove City Council faces shortfall of almost £15m

Conservative finance spokesman Joe Miller said: “The proposal for large gateway signage will increase civic pride and allow visitors to promote the city in an age of social media."

The idea comes after the Conservatives claimed the council could go bust over spendthrift “ideological” policies.

Leading Green councillor Tom Druitt hit back over what he called "lies, rumour, ill-informed baseless allegations".

Cllr Miller said: "We are concerned that the city’s administration has been talking down and targeting the city’s £886 million tourism industry with a series of ill-advised policies this year.

The Argus: Joe Miller will present the plans tonight Joe Miller will present the plans tonight

“Over the last 12 months Labour and the Greens have closed Madeira Drive, creating problems for local businesses, while also repeatedly throwing the future of the city’s historic motoring events into question, with one Green councillor comparing them to the 100 Years’ War."

Additional Tory proposals include capital investment to upgrade Brighton and Hove’s seafront railings and to upgrade Hove Lagoon skate park and light up a landmark beacon on Hove seafront.

More money will also be given to the Madeira Arches restoration if the plans are approved and the proposals would also see Volk’s Electric Railway capacity increased.

Cllr Miller added: “Our proposal for Madeira Arches restoration builds on the £11 million investment brokered by the Conservatives at last year’s budget and the work of Conservative transport spokesperson with local businesses to get Madeira Drive reopened through the Conservative compromise.

The Argus: Signs like the one in Amsterdam would be placed in Brighton and Hove Signs like the one in Amsterdam would be placed in Brighton and Hove

“This capital investment will be funded by only £40,000 of outlay from savings identified in the senior management leadership team staffing budget.

“The result of this £40,000 outlay will be £735,000 investment in total for the city – a great return.”

He said his fellow councillors had "long championed the need for an entry statement to the city" at the A27 Patcham roundabout with calls for "better geographical signage across the city to recognise the distinctive parts of the city".