Neighbours are calling for work on a £2.5 million base for the Salvation Army to be halted, just a month before it is due to open.

People living in the shadow of the new Congress Hall in Park Crescent, Brighton, said builders had made their lives a misery for the past two years.

They said the project, which is still short of £200,000, should be mothballed until all the money has been raised.

However, Salvation Army leaders said the building was due to be handed over next month to open in November.

John Briggs, who lives in Park Crescent, said: "This is causing serious disruption and inconvenience to residents in the area and everyone is very annoyed about it."

He said the site had become a magnet for vandals who had targeted the new building and nearby homes with graffiti.

He said: "We have been subjected to an amazing variety of very intrusive noise from the site, including builders' radios, traffic noise, shouting and heavy construction equipment starting as early as 6.30am.

"We have also been deprived of 15 parking spaces and had heavy lorries parked on the pavements."

Residents campaigned for the plan to be blocked when it went before planners two years ago, saying it was inappropriate for a conservation area.

Mr Briggs said: "We have taken up these issues with the various parties but have been fobbed off with excuses."

Sandie Foster, campaign director for the project, said: "We've had some complaints from neighbours because this is a major building project. As far as I am aware these have all been resolved by the contractors or the Salvation Army.

"We've raised £2.3 million towards the cost and still have various trusts in the pipeline."

Graham Gray, the project manager, said: "No one wants to live opposite a building site but we are near to completion and once it is complete the new hall will offer a significant improvement to the area."

When finished it will function as a church and a one-stop shop for the community with plans for playgroups and parenting classes as well as clubs.