Shopkeepers and home-owners who let their properties crumble face legal action under a new crusade to spruce up Eastbourne.

Council bosses have made thousands of pounds in grant money available to property owners in Seaside Road in an effort to boost the area's image They can use the money for repairs, refurbishments and conversions to rid the area of grotty properties.

Eastbourne Borough Council has thrown down the gauntlet in an effort to improve the area, which it says is blighted by a string of eyesore shops and houses.

Council officers have warned they have the power to demand buildings are brought up to scratch.

If not, the owners could be fined.

Several owners already face enforcement action for letting their shops and houses fall into disrepair.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "We offer assistance for businesses and home owners to help them spruce up their buildings. It is up to them to take them."

He said a new initiative was being considered to designate the Seaside Road zone a renewal area, which could open the area to thousands more pounds of Government regeneration cash.