The Labour Party conference is a big turn off to people in Brighton, a survey has revealed.

Interviewers from the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank asked 85 residents what they thought of the city's most high-profile event.

Most were indifferent or thought the conference should be held elsewhere.

The IPPR concluded that more should be done to reconnect residents with the political discussions taking place in their midst.

Interviews were held on Saturday by the IPPR's new Centre for Cities urban research unit.

Participants were asked to vote or take part in structured discussion about how they felt about work, the local economy, public services.

Asked how they felt about the party conference coming to Brighton, more than a third thought it was good, 46 per cent were "not bothered" and 20 per cent said it was a bad thing.

Discussions revealed resentment about conferences taking over parts of the city and increased fears about security while people felt parties did little or nothing to engage local residents.

Miranda Lewis, of the IPPR, said: "The day revealed a paradox about modern politics.

"Here were more than 80 people giving up part of their weekend and a beautiful day to talk constructively and passionately about how they felt about their city, the economy and local services.

"Yet nearly all felt cut off from the politics going on at the conference. Political parties need to listen to these voices."

Monday, September 26, 2005