A special meeting has been called to sort out a wrangle over free town centre Parking in Littlehampton.

The scheme has been at the centre of controversy since Arun Council announced it could no longer afford to pay its share towards the scheme.

But when councillors came to axe it in March they were persuaded to wait another six months and investigate other sources of cash.

Parking discs are available in town centre outlets and drivers displaying them get free parking.

Town centre traders claim they will go out of business if the scheme is axed because of competition from out-of-town superstores.

But a new report by Arun chief executive Ian Sumnall says the council should no longer subsidise the scheme and free parking should be axed at the end of the month.

The scheme is jointly funded by Arun, Littlehampton Town Council and the Littlehampton Traders Partnership.

Alternative funding methods have been explored during the past six months, including raising prices at seafront car parks.

A special meeting of Arun's economic regeneration and tourism committee on October 30 will now make a final decision on the future of the scheme.