Tim Sorensen, of the Eastbourne Business Partnership, has been at the forefront of the popular annual youth radio — a week of programming by local youngsters broadcast throughout the town — as well as other initiatives.

Eastbourne Business Partnership has been taken over by VT Enterprise and Mr Sorensen's job is said to be under threat.

Steven Goss-Turner, chair of Eastbourne EBP, is asking for a meeting with the executive manager of VT Enterprise to pass on the views of the local business community.

Jeremy Dry, media consultant, said, "There is a great deal of anger at the way he has been treated and the way all his work with the EBP over the years has been dismissed by VT Enterprise, the organisation which has taken over the work of the EBP.

"Feeling is so strong that a campaign has been launched to help Tim and publicise the demise of all his initiatives."

Mr Dry is encouraging people involved in the youth radio to 'express your feelings at the demise of the EBP and its many projects as well as key initiatives such as Eastbourne Youth Radio and your concern that Tim Sorensen will no longer be in a position to run flagship projects that have benefited thousands of young people in Eastbourne over the years'.

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson added, "I am very concerned at the possible threat to Eastbourne Youth Radio.

"Tim Sorensen and his team have done a marvellous job running this project, which has reached thousands of local young people.

"I have supported it and enjoyed taking part from the very beginning, and I hope a way can be found to keep it alive."