A famous floral clock in Hove should be fully restored in time for Easter.

The clock was removed from Palmeira Square by Brighton and Hove Council after a series of attacks by vandals left it beyond repair.

But a notice of motion saying the clock should be protected and maintained was approved by the council last year.

Tory councillors Brian Oxley and Geoffrey Theobald complained nothing had been done and called for a full investigation.

Now council solicitor Claer Lloyd-Jones has said: "Plans are in place for the replacement of the clock and associated works."

She said a tender exercise last summer was disappointing because even the lowest bid was well above a reasonable figure.

However Ms Lloyd-Jones said: "Officers approached other companies and have agreed a more economic price with another firm.

"The order will be placed by the end of January and the clock should be in place by Easter as it takes ten weeks to construct and deliver."

She said the flowerbeds in the area had been designed and planted for the summer and a large shrub bed had also been planted in Palmeira Square to discourage ball games.

Ms Lloyd-Jones said a sponsor was being sought but none of the work depended on the money.

And she apologised to the councillors for not keeping them fully informed about developments.

Ms Lloyd-Jones said: "It did have an impact and a lot of good work has already taken place to deliver a renovated clock with associated planting ready for the bedding season."

The clock was installed by the now defunct Hove Borough Council to commemorate the Queen's Coronation in 1953.