Urgent talks will be held between two councils in a bid to save a £200 million scheme which could transform Shoreham harbour.

About 6,400 jobs and 1,200 new homes would be created if plans to redevelop the rundown harbour eventually go ahead.

But Brighton and Hove Council has decided not to proceed with the Shoreham Maritime Vision for now because of the cost.

One of the options includes building either a £177.5 million tunnel under South Portslade to connect to the A27 at Hangleton.

A less expensive choice would involve demolishing homes in South Portslade to make way for a £92.5 million surface road link.

The development would also feature a media village, hotels and leisure facilities built at the harbour, most of which lies within Adur District Council's area.

Adur is determined not to abandon the Maritime Vision and councillors on Tuesday agreed to hold talks with neighbouring Brighton and Hove to salvage the scheme.

Councillor Robert Dunn, board chairman, said: "We will be exploring all fund-raising avenues, including asking the Government for financial help."

He added Brighton and Hove's decision on the road link was essential to the future of the project.

Mr Dunn said: "They hold the key and until they decide where the access road is going to be we cannot move forward.

"The other main point we have to sort out between all the partners is where the money is going to come from to pay for it."

Councillor Sue John, deputy leader of Brighton and Hove's policy committee, said: "It will take Government intervention to bring this forward."

Thursday November 27, 2003