Residents are being urged to lobby councillors as they stage a debate behind closed doors about controversial radio masts in West Sussex.

Arun District Council is holding a meeting with police and the company behind the Tetra masts tomorrow.

But local people are angry they have not been invited and will demonstrate outside the council headquarters in Littlehampton as councillors arrive.

Littlehampton councillor Mark Butler, who is calling on local people to join the demonstration, is among the residents who have raised concerns about the health effects of the masts.

He lives near a new aerial at Littlehampton police station, which is also close to four local schools.

Residents in Arundel have successfully opposed one mast in the town and are preparing to fight plans for another at Arundel Castle.

Mr Butler said: "Although councillors and officers of the council will be present to hear the argument for and against, members of the public will be excluded.

"The very people whose lives may be affected by the switching on of this controversial radio system will not be able to participate in the discussion.

"However, they will make their voice heard.

"As a parent and a concerned resident I cannot idly stand by and watch as this potentially health threatening system is switched on adjacent to schools, a hospital, care homes and playground.

"I would urge all those with a sense of community to attend the rally."

Council leader Norman Dingemans said: "There is a lot of emotional and anecdotal evidence around this issue.

"What we want to achieve is a balanced debate about the facts."

The rally will be outside Arun Civic Centre in Littlehampton at 5.30pm.