Worthing councillors have voted in favour of a change in the system of local government.

They agreed last night to a Cabinet system of rule.

The Cabinet will consist of a leader and six other lead councillors. The council will still have 36 members and they will still elect a mayor.

The modernisation committee agreed the changes last night and their recommendations will go to a full council meeting next Thursday. If agreed, the cabinet could be ready by July 27.

Council spokesman Stevie Field said: "It's difficult at this stage to say what definite difference it will make as we won't know until the system is up and working.

"The hope is that the local community will get more involved and members will be closer to the community they serve."

But there is concern that power will be in the hands of a small clique making decisions in private, with the majority of councillors excluded from the decision-making process.