Conferences are being held for residents who feel Brighton and Hove Council has turned its back on their neighbourhood.

Residents in Hangleton and Knoll are being invited to discuss the needs of their area at two meetings next week following recent cuts in community funding by the council.

The Hangleton and Knoll Project was among the groups which missed out when the council announced its grant allowances for the voluntary sector for the next three years.

They had requested £45,000.

Lee Hewitson, community development worker, said: "The council's decision to completely cut the £21,500 grant to our project, and £3,000 from the St Richard's community centre, has shown residents it is not interested in investing in Hangleton or Knoll."

The two conferences will ask residents to ratify two years of community needs surveys, which the Hangleton and Knoll Project has just completed.

Mr Hewitson added: "Projects like mine and the local Community Forum can go ahead, with this evidence, to try to get real investment into these forgotten neighbourhoods."

The Hangleton and Knoll Project is a registered charity which aims to help residents identify their needs and those of their community.

It also helps set up and provide advice, training, and support to self-sustaining community groups.

A conference for Knoll and Nevill residents takes place at St Richard's Church and Community Centre in Egmont Road on Monday between 11am and 3.15pm.

Hangleton residents can have their say at a conference at Hangleton Community Centre in Harmsworth Crescent on Tuesday between 11am and 3.15pm.