Traders would be able to hire their own security guards under new plans.

Eastbourne Borough Council is considering setting up a business improvement district (Bid) to help the town's shopping environment and encourage visitors.

Eastbourne Borough Council will decide on Thursday whether to approve the scheme.

If given the go-ahead businesses will be asked to vote on whether they are willing to pay for additional services such as security, street cleaning and measures to attract more people to the area.

If more than half vote in favour, the Bid will be established, costing businesses an estimated 1% to 3% on top of their business rates.

The district, home to 400 businesses, would include the Arndale Centre and 23 of the surrounding roads and shopping parades, including Grove Road, Gildredge Road, Cornfield Road and Terminus Road.

Carolyn Ashdown, who runs Cazash clothing store in Terminus Road, said: "Initially it seems like a good idea but I would have to see how much it would cost.

"Anything that brings more people into Eastbourne is a good thing.

We have got all the plans for changing the town centre but that's not going to happen for years. I think the council should be providing this kind of thing anyway, but you don't get something for nothing do you?"

Raymonde Alikhan, manager of Gecko gift shop in Station Parade, said: "I've not heard anything about it but my personal opinion is that it is ridiculous because we already pay council tax for that kind of thing.

"Why should we pay more for what we get? I think they get enough money for what we get and we never benefit from anything like that up this end of the town.

"When they promote the town it never helps us. It is just for the seafront. All they have done up here is close the post office and charge for the car park."

In May 2006 traders in The Lanes area of Brighton voted to establish the first business improvement district in Sussex to pay for, among other things, private security guards.

Councillor Steve Wallis, Eastbourne Borough Council cabinet member for economy, tourism and environment, said: "If it goes ahead, the money raised would be invested in that area.

"As a local authority we do what we can but we are strapped for cash.

We need to look at new initiatives to raise capital for different areas."