BRIGHTON and Hove is failing to attract employers because it has a negative image.

A new study for the council says many firms think the town's offices and industrial estates are cramped, old and unattractive. Many firms would like sites on the edge of town but most of that is protected downland. The study says that high-quality business development in the north of the town might appear attractive to some firms. But experience from elsewhere suggests it would be unlikely to attract major employers from far away. It could also clash with Government planning guidelines which are generally against out of town centres. Council environment director Alan McCarthy said: "An exceptional case would be needed to persuade him that such a proposal was acceptable on the northern edge of town." He suggests that councillors try to improve the town centre for businesses and see if some brownfield sites there can be improved.

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