A Town mayor, his former deputy and a leading independent councillor have been expelled from the pressure group opposed to the Portobello development at Telscombe Cliffs.

The Campaign for Residents Against Portobello (Crap) has told Telscombe mayor Vic Clayton, former deputy Tony Prince and Roy Goodall that they would not be welcome at any future meetings.

It follows moves by Tony Prince, who recently resigned as deputy mayor, to try to start negotiations with Southern Water over the sale of Telscombe Tye.

If the water giant is given the go-ahead to build its sewage treatment plant on the beach at Telscombe Cliffs, Telscombe Town Council may have to sell part of the Tye.

Residents believe the council should stand firm and not enter into any discussions with the water giant until the result of the inquiry is known.

Jean Talbot, of Crap, said the decision had been taken because all three independent councillors had taken their own action without any consultation with the campaign.

She said the expulsions did not extend to the organisations the three councillors represented, East Saltdean and Telscombe residents' associations and Telscombe Town Council.

Mr Goodall said there was disappointment at the decision.

"Nobody has taken a harder line against the Portobello development than myself.

"We have not received any real information as to why the decision has been taken."

Mr Clayton says he had not taken any action to support the sale of Telscombe Tye to Southern Water.