POLICE and community leaders met today to stamp out a menace threatening Brighton's multi-million pound tourism industry.

Graffiti vandals caused thousands of pounds' damage in a wrecking spree at the weekend and worried hoteliers are warning: "Clean up the problem or we will drive conferences and visitors out of town."

Brighton's world-famous Lanes, North Laine, The Level and Hanover areas were hit by spray-can villains.

Houses, shops and walls were covered. On The Level alone, council chiefs put the damage at £5,000.

Today, Coun Pat Hawkes, who chairs Brighton and Hove police and public safety sub committee, was meeting officers and community leaders to inspect damage in Hanover.

She said: "This explosion of mindless vandalism is very depressing and we have got to find solutions."

Coun Hawkes said graffiti is now spreading to Hove and outlying estates in Brighton.

Richard Baker, manager of Brighton's Grand Hotel, said: "I would like to cut the vandals' arms off.

"This is damaging the look and presentation of Brighton, which is vital for the industry."

But Chief Insp Colin Crookes, of Brighton police, said: "This is an age-old problem that rears its head from time to time.

"It is not, in our view, a high priority but we recognise it has an impact on the community and, as such, we will contribute to a joint approach to resolve it."

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