A coach station in Brighton closed after losing its franchise to sell National Express tickets, it has been revealed.

Howard Trevette stunned travellers by abruptly shutting his Pool Valley station in Brighton last Wednesday.

He blamed Brighton and Hove City Council for not offering enough financial support to improve facilities.

Yesterday, however, he conceded National Express had taken the decision the station was no longer commercially viable for ticket sales.

National Express spokeswoman Alexandra Abbotts said: "Howard Trevette has acted as a ticket agent for National Express in the Brighton area for a number of years now.

"I can confirm Mr Trevette will no longer be an agent for us. However, for reasons of confidentiality this is all we can say at this time."

Mr Trevette said: "For a long period the station has been running at a loss. We just could not continue as we were.

"National Express pulled out because it was not viable anymore.

"With the right local infrastructure in place, and the right strategy from Brighton and Hove, a coach station could succeed there. But there have not been any signs of that."

Mr Trevette won awards during his eight years at the 74-year-old station, for his attempts to improve the area.

The station has been targeted by vandals and coach bays have been occupied by rogue motorists.

Since last week, buses and coaches have still been able to use bays for picking up and setting down passengers.

The waiting room, toilets and ticket office have all been closed.

Now the council is looking for new people to run the station as soon as possible.

Ms Abbotts said: "We are working closely with the council to try to resolve the issues at Pool Valley station and we would like to reassure passengers that services will not be effected by the changes.

"For National Express tickets or information we recommend passengers visit the One-Stop Shop at 16 Old Steine, Brighton."