The service is run by Horsham District Council and funded by West Sussex County Council. It has carried out a joint technical review that shows the service is not sustainable in its current form.

The formation of the Task Force was announced by John de Mierre, county council cabinet member for strategic planning, at a recent meeting of Chanctonbury County Local Committee. Its chairman is Pat Arculus, who represents Pulborough electoral division.

Mr de Mierre said he set up the Task Force in response to concerns expressed by Chanctonbury communities over the need by the county and district councils to review how the service should be provided.

He said: "Although some parishes say they foresee no issues for their communities, others anticipate genuine difficulties that I recognise.

"I have always made it clear that both the county council and the district council are committed to putting in place suitable alternatives and that we need to work with the local communities to identify what those alternatives should be.

"Because we want to hear the views of local communities on these alternatives, I have set up this small task and finish working group to advise me on future service provision. I am also inviting all parishes in the area to contribute to the group's discussions," he said.

Mr de Mierre said the group would meet three times during the next month and he hoped they would be able to make recommendations to him early in May.

"I believe there is a real strength to working in this way. It will ensure we tackle the issues of key local concern and that the eventual solution is rooted in the communities it serves," said Mr de Mierre.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Friday's edition of the West Sussex County Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the County Times newspaper but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01403 751200 and asking for reception. The cost of the newspaper plus postage in England is £1.53 which can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request.