Music lovers fear for the future of a rare cinema organ which has attracted admirers from around the world.

The Sussex Theatre Organ Trust said the 35-ton Worthing Wurlitzer, dating back to the Thirties, must be preserved at the Assembly Hall.

But trust chairman Jim Buckland fears Worthing Borough Council has plans to close the art deco venue in Stoke Abbott Road to save money.

The council insists no decisions will be made until the end of a public consultation involving 3,000 questionnaires.

It says the residents have two stark choices, paying more council tax from next April or lose some of the town's services.

Question marks now hang over the future of Worthing Museum and Art Gallery, Worthing Aqua-rena and one of the town's three theatre venues - the Pavilion, the Connaught or the Assembly Hall.

Mr Buckland said: "If the hall is closed, the Wurlitzer would have to be removed. It is the largest Wurlitzer in Europe and the cost of removal is likely to be about £150,000.

"We have been operating in the Assembly Hall for 25 years and have spent tens of thousands of hours on voluntary work in restoring and building the organ.

"I have personally provided £247,000 so Worthing could have a superb musical facility, which now has a reputation all over the world.

"People come from all over the UK for the concerts and it is not unusual for people to come from overseas.

"The facilities have the capability of earning considerably more revenue from attractive entertainment and high-quality shows if they were properly funded.

"But the buildings are in an appalling state because of neglect."

While Horsham was investing in its own entertainments, having spent £5 million on improvements to its art centre, Worthing was cutting back.

Council leader Sheila Player said no decisions had been taken.

She said: "We have been accused of cultural vandalism by MP Tim Loughton for having a hit list to close the museum in a bid to save cash. This is not the case. There are no plans, only a genuine consultation and hard choices for residents.

"The council is facing a £469,000 shortage.

"This shortfall means either a 14.33 per cent rise in the council's share of the council tax or drastic cuts in services.

"This is not a pleasant choice but is one we believe the residents of this town deserve to decide."