I WILL NOT QUIT - COUNCIL LEADER

A call for her to step down has been made by the newly formed Seagulls Party, which will contest next year's local elections.

It is made up for Brighton and Hove Albion fans angry at the district council's challenge to a new soccer stadium at Falmer.

Ms de Vecchi said:

"The decision to proceed to a court hearing by the Cabinet was both unanimous and cross-party. All members were united in their disappointment at the refusal by the Goverment's solicitor to our reasonable request, to guarantee a full and fair review of all our grounds for challenging John Prescott's defective decision.

"We are resolute in pursuing our case to uphold the Council's planning policies, and to fight Prescott's discredited ruling because of the huge significance it has for AONB's( Areas of Outstanding National Beauty) both locally and nationally.

"That is why other organisations including the Council for the Protection of Rural England are backing Lewes District Council. I do not intend to resign as Council Leader."