Landmark attractions in a seaside town are under threat of closure unless council chiefs can find millions of pounds, it has emerged.

Finance officers at Eastbourne Borough Council admit "difficult choices" are needed to solve the "daunting" financial plight.

Multi-million-pound investment is needed to bring some of Eastbourne's best-known attractions up to standard.

The resort's four council-run theatres need £6.7 million alone and major repairs are likely at one or more of the venues.

A further £6.5 million is needed for the Grade II-listed Bandstand, the Redoubt fortress and the Wish Tower Cafe.

One million pounds would need to be ploughed into leisure facilities and the town hall is in need of full refurbishment to prevent its decline over the next decade.

And in a report, finance director Sue McHugh said: "Other key facilities will face future investment pressures that may not be able to be addressed entirely from income."

The Tory-run council is already facing a shortfall of £2.2 million to fund its 2005/06 capital programme and £2.4 million is needed to fund the Cultural Centre next to the Congress Theatre.

Ms McHugh said: "£6.7 million is needed to bring the theatres up to standard.

"There is a strong likelihood at some time in the future that a major repair will be necessary to guarantee operation of one or more of the venues if investment is not provided. One of the key requirements is a significant investment programme to address the capital needs of the buildings.

"The council already spends a significant proportion of its overall budget on the theatres, some six per cent and considerably more than most other councils including tourist towns. A further increase in subsidy is not considered to be appropriate or affordable. It would add £20 or ten per cent to council tax bills."

She added that the seafront bandstand is in decline and will eventually need to close unless huge investment is found.

Ms McHugh said: "There is a potential to attract lottery funding to contribute towards the investment required of £2.2 million.

"However, the maximum that could be achieved is half the total required."

Major expenditure is also required at the historic Redoubt on the seafront.