Brighton has become such an attractive destination, even the homeless are inviting their friends down for holidays.

Toby Forer, general manager of the Sealife Centre on Marine Parade, became so upset at hearing vagrants had been abusing his staff and visitors, he decided to take the matter higher.

But when he rang Brighton And Hove City Council to complain he was astonished to be told the increase in rough sleepers was due to the homeless inviting people from other parts of the country to visit them.

Mr Forer said: "I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was told the homeless were actually inviting their friends down from London and other cities for the weekend.

"I was horrified when they told me what was happening. This needs sorting out."

The main area of Mr Forer's concern is the tunnel connecting the Sealife Centre to the beach.

He said many were adopting the tunnel to sleep rough and using the nearby beach as a toilet.

Matters came to a head this week when seafront cleaners told Mr Forer they were not allowed to clear urine-soaked pebbles on the footpath.

Mr Forer said: "It's been getting worse over the last few months. The tunnel is dry and sheltered and not surprisingly is a popular sleeping spot for many homeless people.

"Many arrive daily between 4pm and 5.30pm, drinking, swearing and being abusive.

"They stay until the council move them on the next morning at about 8am.

"The litter and mess they leave behind each morning presents a health hazard.

"They have also upset staff and visitors by being abusive.

"Enough is enough. The police and others are doing a sterling job around the city but they're just not reacting to this in the right way."

A council spokeswoman said: "Rough sleeping is a complex problem.

"It is the case that homeless people have friends in other areas and will visit them in other towns and cities in the same way many other people do."

The city council last week launched an ambitious plan to reduce the number of beggars on the streets by 60 per cent by March next year.