Troubles on the seafront could cost taxpayers thousands of pounds, opposition councillors have warned.

The Liberal Democrats on Brighton and Hove City Council has accused the Labour leadership of ignoring repeated calls to tackle problems with barbecues, cycling on the prom and large football matches on the seafront.

It claims Labour's failure to listen amounts to negligence and could result in a series of costly compensation claims which would have to be paid for by the taxpayer.

Last week Labour's environment councillor, Gill Mitchell, agreed to undertake a review of the council's policies on barbecues and beach fires following a series of incidents in which young children suffered burns on the beach.

Yesterday The Argus reported how a man was knocked off his scooter by a football kicked into the road from Hove Lawns.

Anecdotal evidence suggests a range of bylaws are being widely flouted.

Lib Dem leader Paul Elgood called for urgent action to be taken to make the beach safe.

He said: "For more than six years we have warned the council of problems associated with the Hove Lawns area. The council decided not take up these concerns and now look what has happened.

"We are all waiting for the long-promised review of by-laws but there is no guarantee these problems will be dealt with because of the lack of will within the council.

"The council has neglected this issue and failed seafront users."

Fellow ward councillor David Watkins said: "What do you have to do to get the message across? These activities are dangerous and causing a menace to residents."

A council spokesman said: "We were very sorry to hear about the motorcycle incident and the child who was burnt on the beach. But we do not consider the council to be legally liable in either case.

"A number of residents have expressed concern to us about football being played on Hove Lawns. We take these concerns very seriously.

"We are in the process of reviewing our bylaws. Like all local authorities we are insured in a manner appropriate to our responsibilities."