A 56-YEAR-OLD man accused of attempting to meet a young girl for sex is a Brighton and Hove City Council worker, The Argus can reveal.

Gary Frape, who works in buildings and maintenance for the local authority, was arrested and charged for a string of sexual offences.

The council confirmed that the 56-year-old is not currently at work and could face "appropriate action".

Frape, of Honeycrag Close, Polegate, was arrested last week and has since appeared at Brighton Magistrates Court.

Police were called to Pevensey Bay Road, Eastbourne, at around 9pm on Friday October 8, following concerns from members of the public.

Frape was arrested and charged with attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming, attempting to cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and arranging the commission of a child sex offence.

The Argus: Gary Frape worked for Brighton and Hove City Council Gary Frape worked for Brighton and Hove City Council

He appeared in front of magistrates on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to attempting to cause/incite a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He entered no plea to the other charges and was remanded into custody until trial at crown court at a date to be confirmed.

Neighbours have spoken of their shock after the arrest.

While a spokesman confirmed that Frape is an employee of Brighton and Hove City Council.

He said: “We cannot comment on any ongoing criminal proceedings.

"But we can confirm that Mr Frape is not currently at work, and that we will be taking appropriate action in line with council procedures."