Plans to extend the closure of a shopping street in Brighton should be scrapped, according to a Tory opposition councillor.

Brighton and Hove City Council is to press ahead with plans for a 6pm rather than a 4pm end to pedestrianisation in George Street in Hove.

Coun Garry Peltzer Dunn told the city council: "The present proposals discriminate against the disabled.

"More than 70 per cent of the shops in George Street are more than 50 metres from the nearest kerbside parking.

"The present scheme of opening the street to traffic from 4pm at least provides an opportunity for the disabled to gain access to the shops. There are many other users who will now be prohibited from being able to visit them at a reasonable time."

Labour group transport councillor Simon Battle said the scheme had support from many shoppers.

He added: "Tories only listen to the traders. We listen to all sections of the community."

Coun Battle said opponents would be able to make their views known once a traffic order had been advertised.