Six individuals in the town have called the meeting for 7.30pm on Monday, April 28, at the town hall.

The aim is to provide the chance for a debate about the £100m-plus proposals put forward by St Modwen for the Hothamton and Regis Centre sites.

One of the movers of the meeting, former county councillor Michael Jones, said: "If you're interested in Bognor's regeneration, then please make every effort to come to the electors' meeting.

"What I hope will happen is that, after a lively and informed discussion on the questions put to the meeting, at least ten local electors will demand a town poll takes place to test opinion. This will give people a chance to have a direct say through the ballot box on the regeneration proposals currently on the table."

Many of those involved with the meeting, like Mr Jones, have been Labour councillors representing parts of the town on various local authorities.

Their calls for action have been condemned as a poorly timed political gesture.

Liberal Democrat town, district and county councillor Simon McDougall said the meeting and the poll were only concerned with raising the profile of a Labour party without any councillors around Bognor.

"Timing on any town poll is crucial, especially as the more meaningful second stage consultation has not taken place," said Cllr McDougall, the parliamentary spokesman for the Lib Dems.

"Any potential poll should be held once we know the final position of St Modwen's proposals and before we get to the planning application stage.

"I am a great believer in public consultation and referenda and would have sympathy with such a move when the timing is right.

"However, with the potential cost of any poll being in the region of £12,000 for only the four wards of Bognor, one really has to ask if this is responsible action with council taxpayers' money?"

The town council would have to pay for any referendum. It would exclude residents of surrounding areas such as Aldwick, Felpham and North Bersted.