A popular seafront play area which was criticised for falling into neglect has been closed for cleaning and repairs.

The Argus reported last week that the council had been accused of allowing the £1 million Pirates' Playground, by the West Pier in Brighton, to fall into a sorry state.

Visitors complained the attraction had not been maintained. Paintwork was peeling and litter had been allowed to build up.

Council officials have announced it will be closed until May 1 while missing tiles in the paddling pool are replaced, sandpits are refilled, rope fencing is repaired and sun canopies are installed.

The Pirates' Playground was opened amid a blaze of publicity three years ago and described as a "kiddies' wonderland".

Themed on pirates and tropical seas, it covers a 70-metre stretch from the Alfresco restaurant to the old bandstand.

The attraction replaced a 65-year-old concrete pool and features a pirates' castle and a sandpit shaped like a beach.

The council employs DC Leisure to maintain it.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell said: "It's a very harsh environment on the seafront during winter, so the play area takes a battering."