A delegation of MPs has asked health bosses to make a firm decision on the future of breast care in Brighton and Hove by September.

The three Labour MPs who represent the city, Des Turner, David Lepper and Ivor Caplin, met the chief executive and chairman of Brighton Primary Care Trust, (PCT) Gary Needle and Jean Spray.

Mr Caplin said the group discussed health issues affecting the city but said the Brighton PCT and the Mid Sussex PCT would be meeting and expected to reach an agreement on the future of the breast care service by September.

The Hove MP said: "What is important is that a decision is reached by September.

"I don't think we want this to go on and on. It would be unfair on the public and women who have breast cancer."

The controversy centres on the Nigel Porter Unit for Breast Care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton which could be transferred out of the city.

Health bosses, who say the unit needs to expand and believe there is nowhere suitable in Brighton, made a proposal to transfer it to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

But the plan sparked outrage among residents and more than 30,000 people signed The Argus petition demanding it remain in the city.

Campaigners fighting to keep a unit in Brighton suggested a new unit be built on the site of Rosaz House in Bristol Gate.

Health officials lodged a planning application with the city council to create a breast cancer unit on the site and councillors granted permission on July 3.

Two applications for a new unit in Haywards Heath are still to be discussed by Mid Sussex District Council.