Almost four years after National Lottery money was awarded, renovation of a historic park is still a long way from being completed.

Members of a Brighton and Hove City Council scrutiny board went to see what is happening at Preston Park.

About £750,000 is being spent on restoring the park to its original splendour, including £500,000 from the lottery.

But critics say there is so far very little to show for the time and money already spent on the project.

Tory councillor Carol Theobald said: "This project has been badly managed.

"All we get is consultation and after four years there is very little to show for it."

She said historic lamps at the entrances had been smashed and not replaced while many areas of the park were in a run-down state.

Coun Theobald also complained it was too easy for travellers to get into the park and said the cafes and other buildings were badly in need of renovation work.

Other problems identified are the condition of the statues, the pond and a fountain in the park.

Environment director Alan McCarthy said council officers originally saw the scheme as straightforward renovation.

But he added that when English Heritage became involved, it was clear specialist conservation work was also needed.

The scheme had to be revamped to fit in with these expectations and the Heritage Lottery Fund had to be consulted again.

Specialist advisers were appointed for parts of the scheme and a project manager was appointed.

He said hundreds of trees had been planted and work had been done in several areas of the park. More than 40 cast iron seats had been bought.

Coun Theobald said she would continue to press for an inquiry into the delay.