More than £300,000 is likely to be spent on a controversial seafront cycle lane.

Worthing borough councillors are expected to back plans for the first section of a cycle route which may eventually stretch along the town's entire coastline.

The route has been fiercely opposed by some residents who fear accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Others say it would make cyclists safer, reduce traffic and encourage healthier lifestyles.

The first section, from Brighton Road at Brooklands to Splash Point, would cost £310,000 and involve a segregated route along the promenade.

Green surfacing on the seaward side of the promenade would highlight the route and red surfacing would warn of pedestrian crossing points.

A recommendation by council officers to build the first stage follows a consultation in which 55 per cent of responses backed the development.

The route is proposed by Worthing Borough Council in partnership with West Sussex County Council and sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

Worthing's contribution towards the first stage would be £105,000, with £155,000 from the county council and £50,000 from the Department of Transport's cycle projects fund.

The council's executive will decide on September 1 whether to approve the first stage.

A borough council report said the development of the route could encourage a shift from car to cycle.