Sir Paul linked to Brighton move

Sir Paul and Heather Mills may move to Brighton

Sir Paul McCartney is reported to be the latest star planning to move to Brighton's seafront.

The former Beatle is said to have bought a £1m home in an exclusive row of white art-deco homes overlooking the beach near Shoreham.

His neighbour include celebrities such as Fatboy Slim, Chris Eubank, Steve Coogan and Emma Bunton.

But while estate agents in the town say property prices are booming - they warn the big spenders are making it more difficult for locals to afford the price of homes.

There's a massive migration into the town and an equally huge move out of the centre by local residents

Adrian Tatford, estate agent

Estate agent Andrea Walkinshaw, of Strutt & Parker in Hove, which has dealt with several famous clients, says more stars are likely to make the move to enjoy Brighton's Bohemian atmosphere.

She said: "You get a kind of crude Chinese whispers. People start talking about the place and then start coming down here."

'Bit grand'

But, with 70% of homeseekers already coming from London and the average house in Brighton and Hove costing £152,360, the celebrity effect on the market could force locals out.

Adrian Tatford, of City Sales in Hove, said that spiralling house prices would rise again in early 2003.

He added: "There's a massive migration into the town and an equally huge move out of the centre by local residents.

"I think calling it Hollywood-by-the-Sea is a little bit grand at the moment but it has certainly been known as London-by-the-Sea for a while."