Roadworks will cripple traffic along Brighton seafront as the tourist season gets in to full swing.

Brighton and Hove City Council has been given the go-ahead for improvements to the A259 from West Street to the Aquarium roundabout.

The timing of the work, due to start in March and take around four months, has been criticised by business leaders who say it will cause chaos for tourists.

Toby Forer, general manager of the Sea Life Centre, said: "It's ludicrous.

"It's one of the busiest sections of road in Sussex and this is the most disruptive time possible.

"Around forty per cent of our visitors are day-trippers. When they experience big traffic delays they swallow a bitter pill and this can often stop them coming back.

"The council has not consulted us at all. It shows they don't take tourism seriously."

Mr Forer said he was considering postponing £150,000 worth of investment in 2003.

He said: "This could be the first year for 12 years that we don't invest and this would also have an effect on staff recruitment.

"I have written to David Panter, the chief executive of the council, asking him if they've all gone mad."

Simon Quarell, general manager of the Thistle Hotel, Kings Road, also criticised the timing of the scheme.

He said: "There should have been more of a thought process.

"There are traffic and parking problems in this area anyway and this will just make things worse.

"It should be scheduled when things are quieter."

A council spokeswoman said: "We have secured government money to make improvements to traffic and safety on this road.

"There is never a perfect time for major roadworks, which require the right weather conditions for surfaces to settle."