An MP has spoken out against plans to merge mental health services in Sussex.

Residents are being asked to consider creating a single NHS trust to run all mental health, learning disabilities and substance misuse services.

South Downs Health, which is responsible for services in Brighton and Hove, has already indicated it wants to continue as a separate organisation.

East Sussex County Healthcare and West Sussex Health and Social Care are responsible for the rest of the county.

Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper says he is against the option of a single county-wide NHS trust. He said: "Whatever in abstract terms might be seen as the managerial benefits of creating a pan-Sussex trust, such an arrangement would inevitably lead to a lack of focus in terms of provision to the Brighton and Hove city area and would lead to tensions in terms of budgetary allocation and decision-making.

"It would be a recipe for uncertainty for both staff and clients and has all the ingredients for short term muddle and a longer-term dilution of services to the people of the city."

Mr Lepper said future changes should consider that mental health needs in the city are 40 per cent greater than those of West Sussex and 33 per cent greater than East Sussex.

The city also has one of the highest drug-related death rates in the country.

Mr Lepper said it was important to keep decision-making and control of budgets within the city area so South Downs Health could develop closer links with the city's council and primary care trust.

Mr Lepper said: "I believe Brighton and Hove lost out financially when the regional strategic health authority was set up.