More than 100 residents have joined forces to save the red brick pavements of Worthing, which are being tarmacked over.

The 70-year-old brickwork is seen as an important part of the town's character.

Now, East Worthing residents have signed a petition to try to stop West Sussex County Council from covering the ageing pathways.

Red stone pavements have been a feature in Heatherstone, Malvern and Thallassa Roads for decades but the cost of restoring them has prompted the county council to opt for cheaper and more modern repairs.

Campaigners want the brickwork returned to its former glory, which matches their houses and front walls, and believe tarmacked pavements will reduce house values because they are not as attractive.

With the support of East Worthing county councillor Irene Richards, protesters will be meeting with the authority's member for strategic environmental services Councillor Tex Pemberton to state their case and present a petition on Friday.

Coun Richards said: "The state of the red brick pavements in this area is disgusting.

"I have been actively working with residents for the past six years to ensure these pavements are replaced with red bricks.

"At last, I have managed to get the pavements into the works programme but still the county council is insisting that they must be replaced with a black tarmacked surface.

"This is not acceptable to the residents or myself. The red brick pavements in this area should all be replaced with the red bricks at the same time."

Malvern Close resident Anthony Bennett, 59, organised the petition and pointed out that restoring the red bricks would be an investment because of their durability.

Mr Bennett said: "There are three red brick pavements. They are in relatively good shape in Malvern and Heatherstone.

"Unfortunately, Thallassa was tarmacked some time ago and it is in a dreadful condition, red brick paving is coming through. Everybody is really appalled at how it has disintegrated.

"Apparently using bricks is double the price of the tarmacking option.

"Red brick paving is disappearing from Worthing and there are only a few pavements left in the area. We want to try to conserve these pavements."

The residents appealed for the brickwork to be restored six years ago but nothing was done.

Mr Bennett, an artist, said: "The pavements are not really hazardous but they were laid down 70 years and some pieces need repairing.

"All the three streets have garden walls of the same type of brick. Tarmacking might affect house prices.

"They are worth conserving and are economic because they last a long time. Tarmacked pavements have to be replaced after about 15 years."

A West Sussex County Council spokeswoman said: "The Cabinet member for strategic environmental services will be going on Friday to hear the concerns of residents. Until then we cannot make a comment."