A £2 million scheme is planned to set up a community mental health centre for east Brighton.

The centre would include a day hospital, drop-in facilities, a cafe and an outpatient service.

The scheme is being jointly developed by South Downs Health NHS Trust and Brighton and Hove Social Care and Health.

Both authorities aim to merge most of their mental health facilities on to one site, the Fletching building in the grounds of Brighton General Hospital.

The new centre would provide facilities for adults with mental health problems in east Brighton, Lewes and rural areas.

Local independent and voluntary organisations say it is desperately needed.

Helen Greatorex, general manager for working-age mental health services at the trust, said: "This is going to be a substantial improvement both for the people who come to us and for staff.

"It is ideal as there is enough room to centralise facilities on to one location with room to expand but we will still be based at Brighton General Hospital.

"This will please patients as they won't have the worry of trying to find their way to a brand new location somewhere else in the town."

There are currently no drop-in or day-care facilities in east Brighton and people have to travel to the community health centre in Buckingham Road for support.