ARGUS readers are divided on whether the city should host the Eurovision Song Contest next year.

Organisers have confirmed that Britain will stage the competition after it was deemed too unsafe for it to take place in Ukraine.

As this year's winner, it would traditionally host the next event.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty has said the city, which famously held the contest in 1974 when Abba won, would “pull out all the stops” in order to host in 2023.

But some readers have questioned whether Brighton is the most suitable place for the competition.

Heather Pullen said that the city does not have a venue big enough to house the thousands of people who attend the event and that Brighton is “too run down”.

She said: “If we did host, we would have to have a massive clean-up and maintenance programme.”

Patrick Miller said: “How on earth is Eurovision going to be held in Brighton when the council can’t even keep the city clean and free of weeds.”

However, some readers backed Brighton’s bid to host the competition and said it could bring more investment into the city.

Hedley Swain, chief executive of the Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust, embraced the prospect of a Eurovision-by-the-Sea and said: “Clearly Eurovision must be in Brighton, we did it proud in 1974.”

Hove MP Peter Kyle also backed the bid and said: “It must be Brighton.”

It will be up against competition from other major British cities, including London, Sheffield and Glasgow.

Last year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) listed criteria stating that any host venue would need to accommodate at least 10,000 spectators, be within easy reach of an international airport, have enough hotel accommodation and feature a press centre.

The Brighton Dome, which hosted in 1974, falls far short with a capacity of just 1,700, with the Brighton Centre at 4,500 and the County Cricket Ground in Hove with around 6,000.

The Argus: The Amex Stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion, has been touted as a possible venue for a Brighton-based EurovisionThe Amex Stadium, home to Brighton and Hove Albion, has been touted as a possible venue for a Brighton-based Eurovision

The Amex Stadium, which hosted a large music event when Fatboy Slim performed over two nights in June 2012, has a capacity of nearly 32,000.

Reader Bev Handley has urged the council to “find a way” to host in the city, including the construction of a temporary roof over the stadium.

However, given the competition takes place in mid to late May, some readers wondered whether the Amex would be available to host the competition during next year’s Premier League season.

Abba were propelled to international stardom after winning Brighton’s Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with Waterloo.

Next year’s competition will be the first time Britain has hosted since 1998.