The proposed downgrading of A&E at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, was today branded "dangerous" and "crazy".

David Gold, who hopes to win back Brighton Pavilion for the Tories at the next general election, spoke out against plans for the Princess Royal and the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

Mr Gold has signed the Argus' petition against the proposed downgrading of accident and emergency at the Princess Royal, a move which would see many patients transferred to Brighton instead.

He fears "an intolerable burden on the Royal Sussex and that lives will be lost".

Under the controversial proposals, medical emergencies such as asthma, strokes and heart attacks would be dealt with at the Royal Sussex and the Princess Royal. But health chiefs are suggesting all trauma cases, such as crash victims or broken hips, and all emergency surgery should go to the Royal Sussex.

Mr Gold said: "I am urging people across Brighton to join me in condemning this plan, which is ill-conceived and dangerous. This is a crazy proposal and I applaud the Argus for its campaign to oppose it. I will be writing to the Mid Downs Community Health Council expressing my objections."

Others backing the Argus' Save Our A&E campaign include Brighton Kemp Town Labour MP Des Turner, Mid Sussex Tory MP Nicholas Soames and Dame Vera Lynn, who is president of the Princess Royal Hospital's League of Friends.