Worthing's two MPs are being lobbied in a bid to save the taxpayer money.

The Government has announced Worthing Borough Council must take over pub, nightclub and restaurant licensing duties from the town's magistrates.

But the council fears it will be left with a hefty bill because Whitehall has not stumped up any cash to cover the new duties.

Councillor John Lovell, deputy leader of the council, said Worthing MPs Peter Bottomley and Tim Loughton should be asked to lobby the Government on the issue.

He said the council needed to set fees to cover costs.

The Government had already said it would look at helping out but not for a number of years, which could leave the council out of pocket.