Police today asked Brighton and Hove to brace itself for the Labour Party conference - even though it is still six months away.

Letters giving details of the September 25-29 gathering have been sent to city-centre residents and businesses explaining: "It is hoped that by getting this date into people's diaries early it will help people to get through the week with minimum disruption to domestic or business arrangements."

Plans are still sketchy - police won't know until May 5 whether they will be protecting the Government or the Opposition - but either way there will be a massive security net thrown round the centre of Brighton and Hove.

Last year's Labour conference cost more than £2.3 million, a bill paid for by the Home Office.

More than 1,000 police were involved in Operation Otter and the main security focus was countering the threat of possible terrorist attacks.

There were no serious incidents but the police had to deal with a rally from pro-Falmer stadium fans and a demonstration by the pro- hunting lobby, as well as the dumping of dead animals in streets by hunt activists.

It resulted in complaints from city residents about disruptions and gridlocked roads.

This week's letters, from police and Brighton and Hove City Council, concentrated on the positive: "Conferences are vital to Brighton and Hove's economy.

"The Labour Party Conference brings about £10 million to the city's businesses and helps us win other conference business, which causes very little disruption."

The letter also warns there will be "extensive but vital security measures" regardless of the outcome of the General Election.

It goes on: "The key feature will be a secure cordon around the main conference buildings - the Brighton Centre and the Grand and Metropole hotels.

"Exact details will be subject to continuous review between now and the event.

"This means the access arrangements for neighbouring properties during the conference cannot yet be confirmed but details will be communicated as soon as they can."

The council is already working with police to ensure the event passes with minimum disruption and it is expected all neighbouring businesses will operate as normal during the event.

The letter adds: "Further newsletters are planned addressing issues such as traffic, transport, access, refuse collection, street cleansing and parking."