An MP has asked charity bosses to explain why they turned down an offer which he says could have kept their offices open.

The Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) has said it will have to close its Hove branch after its grant was cut by Brighton and Hove City Council.

A campaign, which was backed by Hove MP Ivor Caplin, was launched to keep the office at the back of Hove Town Hall, in Norton Road, open.

Organisers protested that the closure would mean CAB clients in Hove and Portslade would have to travel into Brighton.

Council bosses offered the organisation more space at the town hall but the gesture was turned down.

Mr Caplin has described the decision by the CAB as "bizarre".

He said: "I have asked for full public disclosure and a justification of this bizarre decision to turn down the city council's offer.

"The alternative premises in Brighton are completely unsuitable, especially for disabled people who want access to the building.

"In light of the fact that the majority of inquiries received by the CAB come from the west of the city, I really can't understand this decision."

In a letter to The Argus, CAB officers said the council's offer had been turned down because it was unworkable.

Norman Bennett, chairman of the management committee, and Martin Groombridge, who is vice-chairman, said: "The council has seen fit to reduce our funding by more than a third.

"Consolidation on the Hove site was not an option because it is far too small.

"At the 13th hour, the council offered us a bit more space inside Hove Town Hall but it was still unworkable.

"We said it was a high priority for us to maintain a presence in Hove and we would seek to find ways in our very limited budget to do this.

"The many residents of the Hove and Portslade areas need be under no illusions, however, that the lack of a CAB service in the area is a matter to be laid entirely at the feet of the council."