A community activist has demanded the resignation of three councillors over a major seafront development.

Nigel Furness, 55, who opposes the plans for the redevelopment of the King Alfred Centre in Hove, is raising a petition calling for the former mayor of Brighton and Hove, David Watkins, to resign with Paul Elgood and Dawn Davidson.

Mr Furness says he is angry that Coun Elgood failed to take part in a vote at a special meeting of the policy and resources committee earlier this month, which paved the way for the controversial twin towers scheme on Hove seafront designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Mr Furness, who stands as an independent at local and national elections, said: "His excuse was that he had to declare an interest as he had campaigned against the development at the General Election.

"This has given the signal to the community that all three Liberal Democrat councillors on the city council are not bothered about the scheme."

Councillor Elgood said: "I followed legal advice, which was to err on the side of caution because a complaint was made against me as a councillor as part of my campaign against the King Alfred at the General Election."