Funerals and weddings could be thrown into chaos after a row erupted over a new cycle lane outside a church.

Wardens at All Saints Church in Hove, say services are under threat after workers began digging up the road.

The junction of The Drive and Eaton Road is now down to one car lane - meaning cars can no longer stop outside the church.

Church warden Michael Maine said funeral hearses and wedding cars would now have to double park in busy Eaton Road.

The move has also cut access for disabled churchgoers and the emergency services.

Mr Maine said: "We couldn't believe it when they started digging the road up right outside the church doors.

"I'd seen them doing work at the lower end of The Drive but assumed they would have more sense than to do this.

"I never dreamt they would run the cycle path directly on our doorstep.

"It is good for the city to have a cycle network but there needs to be a bit of common sense about it." The church has contacted the city council and a meeting has been arranged. The church, which dates back to 1891, is the biggest public building in Hove.

Mr Maine said: "Something needs to be done because if this is left as it is I dread to think what will happen. Cars for funerals and weddings will have to drive round to Eaton Road but that is always full of parked cars - it will just be chaos.

"We need access for disabled people as well. This is a Grade I listed building and a major part of life in Hove. We cannot have it rendered inaccessible."

The church has had no vicar since the autumn and Mr Maine said he was unaware of any council consultation on the cycle lane.

A council spokesman said: "We are keen to work with the church to try to arrange access to their satisfaction.

"Before giving the cycle lane scheme the go-ahead last year, we did a massive consultation of about 8,500 local residents, business and other groups. All Saints Church did not contact us during this time.

"We received a number of requests for disabled parking bays and we built them into the scheme wherever possible."

The church and the council are due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

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