The distinctive shade of turquoise that is used for Brighton's seafront railings has been changed to a different shade to save money.

The original aquamarine colour, known as Brighton Blue, has been used in the city for more than 100 years – but Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) has opted for a similar shade known as RAL light green.

Some people are concerned by the change, stating that the original colour is part of Brighton's heritage and brand.

BHCC says it is using a specialist long-lasting paint to protect the cast ironwork which is the closest available match to the original oil-based paint, and that it has a duty "to make every pound stretch as far as it can".

Brighton resident Claire Blyth, co founder of Red Setter, a design-focused PR agency, told BBC Radio Sussex: "Obviously it's going to look better freshly painted, but the specific shade has been used for over 100 years.

"It's part of our history. It's one of the things people think of when they think of Brighton.

"It's part of Brighton's brand. Cities spend huge amounts of money trying to create an association with that sort of brand.

"The council have [already] made a commitment to preserving Brighton's heritage,. This colour of blue is part of its heritage. It's not just the physical structures, it's the details which give it part of its identity."

Jacob Allen cabinet member for customer services, public realm and local government at BHCC, said the new long-lasting paint would "absolutely" save the council money.

He said: "What residents really want is our heritage cast iron, which takes a battering from the sea and wind, to be protected.

"Too many of our heritage assets like Madeira Arches and the railings have been left to rust.

"You can see more orange [from rust] than Brighton Blue in some of the assets."

He added: "Is there any point of refurbishing things if you have to go back and do it again in a few years? I have to make every pound stretch as far as it can."

Residents and visitors on the seafront were happy with the change and did not mind the different shade of paint.

Stew Curtin said: "They're very similar. It looks nice and fresh now. There's no rust on it which is good. As long as it weathers well and doesn't deteriorate."

His wife Catherine Curtin added: "I don't know why people complain about that."

Alastair Hignell said: "It's a different shade but these posts are different shades of blue because they've had different levels of erosion from the sea.

"To see something brand new and freshly painted is what Brighton deserves and needs."

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