Traders are spurning a cut-price deal to join an anti-crime scheme in favour of paying their own way.

More than 30 businesses in St James's Street in Kemp Town, Brighton, have signed up to a safe shops initiative.

But most are opting to pay the full rate to join the city's Retail Crime Initiative, which provides radio link-ups to report crimes.

The St James's Street Action Group had offered to pay each firm's first year £50 membership fee, leaving just the £35 enrolment charge.

But action group chairman Alan Bond said:

"We've found most traders are so happy to be involved, they are paying the full charge.

"That means we have more money to spend on improving the street in other ways."

The group was given £2,600 by the Scarman Trust earlier this year for the Safe Shops programme.

Shopkeepers will act as guardian angels to people in fear of street crime.

Posters are nearly ready for traders to display in their windows, to indicate shoppers can pop in for help if they feel in trouble.

Around £600 of the Scarman grant will be used for traders to go on public safety training courses.

The action group's next meeting, to discuss rubbish collection is at 7pm next Monday at the Hampshire Court Community Centre.