Marine Court residents oppose Pavilion plan

Debbie Ash, sister of TVs Leslie Ash, is spearheading the campaign, demanding: "leave the promenade for the people!"

Debbie currently enjoys stunning seafront views from her top floor Marine Court flat, and was spurned to take action after viewing the Pavilion proposals.

Debbie, 47, said: "A lot of people are really not happy about it.

"We do want something to be built but it should be in keeping with the architecture. The money could be spent far better - instead of building something on top of the promenade. It looks like a terminal building!"

The proposals, due to be discussed in next month's planning meeting, create a second storey on street level, with a glass fronted restaurant and open-air terrace.

The former Hot Gossip dancer has collected more than 200 signatures from concerned neighbours, also worried about losing the cycle track and promenade walk-way.

Debbie said: "It would also hinder people's view of the sea and be prone to graffiti and vandalism - what would it look like in the long term?

"They should be improving on what we have already got - what we want is to see alternative designs."

Sea Space bought Marina Pavilion from the council last November and promptly closed the venue. They plan to spend 1.7million on the work, for a 2005 finish.