A BORIS bikes-style hire scheme has been backed by councillors who called for more pick-up points to be considered.

Brighton and Hove City Council will now put the provisional three-year contract out to tender so 430 bikes from at least 50 docking stations become available to hire in the city from May 2017.

The bikes will be picked up and dropped off along the seafront and tourist attractions as well as near the university campus sites in Falmer.

Last night councillors told the environment, transport and sustainability committee of their support for the idea - but said the proposals do not reach enough areas in the city.

Alan Robins, councillor for South Portslade, said areas west of Hove should be considered, such as Portslade railway station which he thought would be very popular and would "open up the scheme to areas like Mile Oak."

Councillor Pete West, for St Peter's and North Laine, suggested like Preston Park railway station should be considered as the scheme is rolled out and expanded.

Councillor Tony Janio, representing Hangleton and Knoll, expressed Conservative support.

Research by the city council’s transport planning team revealed demand as people who live along the seafront struggle to store their own bikes securely.

In March a government grant of £1.16 million was announced from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) grant and an initial £60,000 was expected to be paid from the council.

Around six members of staff are needed to run the scheme, which would be run as a social enterprise, offering training and apprenticeships.

It is hoped the plan, called Bike Share, would cut 300,000 car journeys a year from the city, reducing congestion, improving air quality and journey times.

The chosen supplier would have to commit to an initial three year contract and be required to supply the bikes, other equipment as well as manage and maintain the service.

The council previously estimated the scheme would bring road safety benefits of £19,000 a year, and health benefits £147,000.

An Airbnb-style arrangement where people could rent out their own bike may also be considered, officer Abby Hone who produced the council report said.

She added it was difficult to pin point if any revenue would be made from scheme.