A cricket pavilion in Brighton will be used to provide a drop-in service for travellers.

Residents living near the pavilion at Horsdean, Patcham, were alarmed at rumours there would be a needle exchange at the site.

However, Brighton and Hove city councillor Brian Pidgeon said there would be no such exchange.

The drop-in service will be held weekly for two hours and will continue for six weeks. There will be a review after that to see what travellers, staff and residents think of the initiative.

Professionals will give advice to travellers on health, housing, benefits, drug abuse and specific problems they may have on the road.

Sessions will be held on Tuesday afternoons and will start on February 18. At least four staff will be at each session.

They will be primarily for travellers who live at Brighton and Hove's only official site at Horsdean.

Coun Pidgeon urged local residents to take part in the review and tell him what they thought.