Residents living near a youth hostel have warned other people across Sussex that they could be in for a torrid time.

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) is set to unveil three new properties next year, including two in Sussex.

New hostels will be opened at Itford Farm, near Lewes, and East Dean Road, Eastbourne, in early 2009, as well as a flagship facility in central London.

Meanwhile the youth hostel at Warningcamp, an area of outstanding natural beauty near Arundel, will benefit from £373,000 of investment.

Three weeks ago, the Warningcamp hostel, along with hostels at Alfriston, Littlehampton and Truleigh Hill, near Shoreham, were granted extended licences - much to the annoyance of neighbours who argued it would spark booze-fuelled crime and shatter the peaceful surroundings.

Now protesters have been dealt a further blow with the news that two more hostels are set to open in Sussex.

Gary Keen, from Warningcamp, was an opponent of the YHA's application to extend drinking hours at the Warningcamp hostel.

He said: "Neighbours to the new hostels in Lewes and Eastbourne can expect increased traffic and increased noise pollution.

"What I find very strange is the ethos of the YHA. It's a place for families and children and for them to be changed into what's potentially a night club with music and performances going on until late, with a bar, it seems that it's not right.

"It's almost as if they are using the premises as a venue for other proceeds outside of what they are there for. It's not there for 24 hour drinking."

Harold Hall from Warningcamp also contested the hostel's late licence application, branding it unnecessary.

He said that on the whole the hostel had been a good neighbour, but that only time would tell what the late night licence would bring, and issued a warning to those in Lewes and Eastbourne.

He said: "Watch out. The hostels are fine on the face of it, but watch out for the special events.

"They are open for weddings, family anniversary weekends and things of that nature so they need to be watched very carefully. People need to be prepared."

YHA spokesman Paul Fearn said it was an unfounded accusation that the YHA was moving away from its roots towards providing drinking venues.

YHA chief executive Roger Clarke said: "It's all about improving the experience for guests who choose to stay with the YHA and that means investing in our staff and our buildings.

"We've already started refurbishment projects and major training programmes and are ready to push ahead with the next batch of investments in places where people really want to stay."

Do you live near the sites of the two new hostels? Are you concerned or do you feel the hostel would be good for the area? Tell us your thoughts below.