The gap between Pride and Brighton and Hove businesses is greater than ever after it announced plans to move forward.

Board members say they will look for interested parties to operate a dance tent and would reconsider including a cabaret tent in Preston Park.

They also said they will look for an independent person to facilitate separate forums to try to find ways that businesses and the local community can work with Pride.

However they turned down a rescue package to save the event from production company Wilde Ones saying they had to consider companies who have tendered first.

Trustees were hoping to draw a line under the events of the last few months, following the resignation of Pride chairwoman Yvonne Barker on Thursday.

They even told supporters the organisation’s financial situation was looking healthier after it took action to reduce staff and costs.

However some local businesses said they are losing confidence in the board and its direction.