A conservation group has pledged to occupy a greenfield site if it is chosen for a new sewage works. Members say they'll camp there if necessary.

The Friends of Sheepcote Valley are determined to protect the area, which is regularly visited by people from across Brighton and Hove.

June Evans, who chairs the group, said members were prepared to camp at Upper Sheepcote Valley if other ways failed to prevent Southern Water building at the site.

She said: "We hope it will not come to that but we are prepared. Most of our members are a hardy lot and won't mind roughing it in a tent.

"If we are forced to do so, we will organise a rota to ensure the site is constantly occupied without anyone having to completely disrupt their lives."

Upper Sheepcote Valley is one of eight areas identified by Southern Water as a possible site for the urgently needed sewage works to serve Brighton and Hove.

The water giant expects to announce where it wants to build later this month.

The group is holding a picnic at the site today when they will practise erecting their tents.