A blueprint for the future of a seaside town has been revealed.

Eastbourne Borough Council's Cabinet has decided on a range of schemes designed to take the town into the 21st Century as a busy tourist resort and a prosperous conference town.

Residents will also benefit from more than £1 million of investment to be spent on council homes.

The improvements will take place over 18 months and include new windows, roofing, repairs, lifts in blocks of flats and improved communication with tenants through newsletters and a handbook.

Councillors want to increase Eastbourne's reputation as one of the country's top tourist resorts and attract more investment.

The authority's new tourism strategy reveals the town should continue to promote itself as a holiday spot.

Research shows the number of people visiting Eastbourne rose by nine per cent in 1999.

The most popular attractions include Beachy Head, Eastbourne Pier, Devonshire Park Tennis Centre and the annual Airbourne aviation show.

The proportion of overseas visitors has more than doubled over the last decade and money brought in by tourism is supporting more than 4,000 jobs.

Barbara Goodall, Cabinet member for tourism, said: "This stategy outlines how we can go on to win more tourism jobs and income for local people.

"Through active local partnerships we will ensure that Eastbourne continues to maintain its position in the premier league of UK destinations."

A policy has also been launched which aims to build on Eastbourne's growing reputation as a conference town.

Conference business is worth more than £4 million to the town.

Councillor Goodall said: "This policy highlights the importance of conference business to the town.

"It is a main generator of income to the town throughout the year. Hotels, restaurants, taxis, retailers, technical suppliers, petrol stations and many others all earn valuable business from visiting delegates."