A new pedestrian link to a supermarket will not pass through the historic churchyard nearby.

Environment councillor Gill Mitchell gave this assurance to a meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council yesterday.

She was answering a question by Central Hove Tory councillor Averil Older about the new Tesco store being built off Church Road.

Coun Older said she was keen any path did not pass through the grounds of St Andrew's Church.

Replying, Coun Mitchell said it did not but would provide a good route from the supermarket to the George Street shopping area.

Labour councillor Brian Fitch said: "This will at last give Hove a heart, saving on transport costs of people going into Brighton."

The store, which is rising rapidly from the site of a former gas station, is expected to open in September.