Traders are campaigning for drunks, drug addicts and beggars to be moved on so a shopping area can be improved.

They have formed a trade association for the district close to St Peter's Church, the parish church of Brighton.

Most of the businesses at the initial meeting came from York Place, which has been blighted by empty properties.

Several traders said the main trouble came from squatters using empty shops as a base for illegal drug dealing.

The association's chairman is Steve Poole, who runs St Peter's Bar.

Traders have already worked with councillors to boost an area between the piers which had become run down.

Mr Poole, who also runs Bar de la Mer, on Brighton seafront, said: "I hope the same can be done in the area around York Place."

Every trader in the street either attended the meeting or sent apologies, along with a membership fee.

The meeting agreed to organise a petition aimed at removing squatters from York Place.

Traders will also ask if the ban on street drinking in much of Kemp Town can be extended to the area.

They are calling on the council to put pressure on developers who own a block of six empty shops to get on with renovation plans for new businesses and flats.

Owners of licensed premises such as pubs and restaurants are organising a Pubwatch scheme so they can keep an eye on known troublemakers.

Mr Poole said: "We are also asking for more police officers to visit the area as there have been several attacks and robberies.

"We have made a start and I think we can see an improvement here, just as we did on the seafront."