Art groups, table tennis groups and a Buddhists Men's support group are just some of the activities enjoyed by adults which have now been cancelled.

The freeholders of the Beacon Centre, The Children's Country Holidays Fund (CCHF), have instructed that West Sussex County Council (WSCC) immediately comply with the terms of a restrictive covenant that states that the Beacon Centre should only 'Use the premises for educational purposes in the interest of the service of youth generally'.

CCHF say the covenant only came to their attention about a year ago and a breach of this covenant could affect their ability to provide services to vulnerable children.

Carol Bullimore, who has assisted in organising the petition, said some of the adult groups were still searching for alternative accommodation.

Shops in Hassocks are backing the campaign to allow adult groups to continue using the facilities at the Beacon Centre and several stores will be holding petitions for shoppers to sign.

The charity has said it would be meeting with WSCC to find a mutually acceptable solution.The private meeting will take place on April 9.

For the full story, see the Mid Sussex Times edition of April 2.