Critics have blasted plans to spend £75,000 on an "arty farty" sculpture to welcome tourists.

The public artwork is among several plans under consideration to improve Brighton and Hove's landscape.

The city council has proposed to invite artists to submit designs for a sculpture at Patcham roundabout and a panel, including councillors, would choose the most suitable design.

Woodingdean councillor Geoffrey Wells, said: "Call me a philistine if you like but there has been too much money wasted on schemes like this in the past.

"It's about time money that can be found for arty farty ideas the like of this should be spent on something more practical."

The authority is also considering tidying up the roundabout close to the Palace Pier by removing the boat.

Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said: "I'm considering ways of trying to make some improvements but I've by no means made up my mind.

"I'm looking to improve the roundabouts at Patcham and the Palace Pier but I have only shared ideas with my colleagues.

"I have numerous ideas for trying to improve the appearance of our city, both for residents and for visitors.

"The route into the city centre from London, which is seen by millions of people every year, I think is extremely important. I'm putting an emphasis on the appearance of our city. I happen to believe residents and visitors like to see pride in our city."

But councillors oppose the proposal to build a statue on the Patcham roundabout.

Coun Wells said: "Trouble is it won't stop at £75,000. It will need to be put into place.

It will probably need to be lit up so it can be seen from afar at night. It could temporarily distract road users as well."

Coun Lynda Hyde,who represents Rottingdean Coastal ward, said: "It seems an extravagant and excessive amount of money to spend on a sculpture.

"I think there are lots of companies in the city that would be willing to sponsor the roundabout and pay for its upkeep."

The council spokesman said: "The Patcham and Palace Pier roundabouts are on the main route into the city for residents and visitors, and Coun Theobald has been thinking of ideas to transform them, for example, with new planting, to make them more attractive and welcoming.

"One idea Coun Theobald had was to hold a competition to invite suggestions, particularly at Patcham where there are problems because of pipes under the roundabout and maintaining it because of the speed of surrounding traffic.

"There are no firm plans. This is part of ongoing work to provide extra flowerbeds and environmental improvements across the city."

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