A fund of £40,000 set up by the Conservatives to improve a seafront has been slashed by the new ruling party.

Thousands of pounds were earmarked for Worthing's promenade between Brooklands and Steyne Gardens as part of the council's Greening the Borough initiative.

Palm trees were planted and new decorative lighting was installed on the Pavilion Theatre. Future improvements included decorative lamp posts.

But the Liberal Democrats have cut the budget, which still has £100,000 left, and re-channelled the money into housing grants for the disabled.

Now, the ambitious bid to regenerate the seafront is in jeopardy.

Councillor Ann Lynn, wife of Conservative leader Brian Lynn, said: "We were both very disappointed. It got off to such a wonderful start. People were very complimentary about how much nicer the seafront was.

"They wanted to see these enhancements continue. This was a long-term plan but a more attractive seafront makes the town a more pleasant place for both visitors and residents."

The decision has also frustrated hotel and guest house owners.

Hospitality Association spokeswoman Sue Murray said: "We are very disappointed at the cut in the Greening the Borough funds.

"We understand about money being needed for housing grants but we want the seafront to catch people's eyes.

"We want people to stay here, visit and spend money. It is important for tourism and the economy."

Lib Dem councillor Maurice Tucker, executive member for leisure and cultural services, said: "We have put the money back into housing grants for disabled people.

"This list has been closed since October last year, so it was a pretty dire situation.

"I think there was the view that the money should not go on metal fish designs on lamp posts. That is what the £40,000 would have been spent on.

"Some £36,000 has been spent on new lighting on the Pavilion Theatre but can you see any difference?"

Worthing Borough Council recently refused to pay lighting contractors Urban Projects Ltd, based in Crawley, because the lights were not what was expected.

The decision to cut the Greening the Borough fund was made at a council meeting on Wednesday night.