“A HAVEN in the heart of the city” is being damaged by the hundreds of visitors that use it every day.

Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Gardens needs protection and was listed on the Heritage at Risk register last year.

Now the city council is looking at ways to develop the park’s layout and improve how it is managed – including the option of closing it at night to protect it from damage.

And it is asking for ideas from the community about how best to transform the space, which is describes as “a haven in the heart of the city”.

It has launched a survey to find out what the people of Brighton think about a number of options.

They include landscape improvements, changes to the entrances to make them more welcoming, and a revamp of the lighting, seating and pathways.

In the summer, hundreds of people pass through the garden, with many stopping to enjoy the cafe or relax on the lawns.

The council says this is taking its toll, but it is committed to making sure the gardens remain free and accessible to all.

It said: “We are considering how we can highlight this unique Regency garden.

“We would also like to provide an impressive and welcoming arrival for all our visitors.”

Once an enclosed picturesque pleasure ground for King George IV and his guests, the Regency garden has evolved over the past 200 years to become a garden for everyone.

Some historic railings which date back to the 1850s are still in place, and the council wants to extend these around the site.

This could allow the council to close the garden overnight to help protect the plants and buildings, it said.

A survey about the changes closes on June 29.