Newsquest is understood to be considering making two journalists posts redundant in Brighton, including that of long-serving crime reporter Phil Mills.

The award-winning Argus journalist is currently on 'gardening leave', while his position at the paper is looked at.

Staff are upset at the move, especially since it involves one of the more high-profile roles at the paper.

They were today drafting a protest letter to the editor, Michael Beard, voicing concerns at the move.

A journalist's post at the Leader, the Argus's sister free paper, is also under threat.

Newsquest (Sussex) managing director Martyn Willis declined to comment. Michael Beard was unavailable.

A shocked colleague told HoldtheFrontPage: "In his 26 years service Phil has broken major crime stories for the paper and is highly regarded for his knowledge of the area and depth of contacts.

"He was one of the higher paid reporters and it is thought his departure is a cost-cutting measure.

"His stream of exclusive stories was one reason the paper hit all time high circulation of more than 100,000 but it has slumped in recent years to just over 30,000 a day average and other cost-cutting measures were taken including closing some district offices and turning the paper from an evening to morning paper."

Phil has told friends he had hoped to end his career on the Argus, "the paper he loved", and is currently in talks with the company.