The manager of the last cannabis caf in Sussex has vowed to reopen the venue by the weekend despite a dramatic raid by police last week.

The drop-in caf was raided by 40 officers last Thursday in an operation which resulted in three arrests.

The police used a thermal torch and heavy duty cutting gear to get through the front doors of the building, which is on the first floor of a warehouse in a small industrial area.

Today Mikey Allday, manager of the caf in Victoria Road, Worthing, vowed that the venue would be open by noon on Saturday and back in business.

Despite being closed this week, users of the venue were arriving at the door in droves, disappointed to find that business had been suspended following the raid and an inspection by West Sussex fire brigade officers.

Mr Allday, who has run the caf for more than two years, called the police action "over-the-top" and "heavy-handed".

One punter told The Argus he was scared for his life during the raid as officers cut their way into the building.

Mr Allday said such a raid on a group of people who used cannabis was a waste of public resources.

He said: "If it was a raid for heroin then yes, but not cannabis."

Signs adorn the walls of the caf warning people no alcohol or class A drugs will be tolerated and no one under 18 admitted.

Mr Allday said he had issued an open-door invitation to police to visit the premises until Thursday's raid.

He said: "I think in the current climate of terrorism, the riot police have better things to do.

"The police should be concentrating their efforts elsewhere."

Mr Allday believes the police are targeting him because of his past history.

He admits he served a prison sentence for dealing heroin but says he now never touches class A drugs and has an implant under his skin to prevent him taking any opiates, which would include heroin.

He says he does not have any contact with class A drugs, users or dealers and does not consider cannabis a drug.

Mr Allday, who had left the building on the day of the raid and was not aware of it until someone telephoned him, is now seeking legal advice and says he may go as far as the European Court of Human Rights.

On the day of the raid the caf was due to host a chess final. Recently users have carried out a charity walk and have more events planned to raise money for baby monitors and Alzheimer's charities.

Following Thursday's raid, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service issued the venue with a notice preventing the first floor from being used as a caf because fire officers said there was a risk of serious personal injury should fire break out.

Mr Allday, who is planning a bid to break the European bench-press record, is working through this week installing a fire escape and signage to meet fire requirements.

He hopes the work will be completed so he can reopen by Saturday.

Mr Allday said there had never been any trouble at the premises and no violence.

Chief Inspector Jason Taylor, Worthing District Commander, said: "This is an ongoing investigation and our tactics will be to take the most appropriate course of action to deal with the problem of nuisance and antisocial behaviour taking place in the area."