Campaigners have claimed that a former landfill site earmarked for travellers could be deadly because of methane vents.

And they say people who move onto what is currently the BMX track at Sheepcote Valley in Brighton could be exposed to an increased risk of developing cancer.

Sheepcote Valley, which was used as a landfill site from the mid 1940s until 1979, is being considered for the first permanent travellers site in the city.

When the tip was closed, concrete vents were built to release underground gases which were produced by the waste.

East Brighton's three Labour councillors have complained to Brighton and Hove City Council chief executive Alan McCarthy because they believe the authority is hiding plans from them.

They say they are being bombarded with residents' inquiries but are unable to reply because they have no information.