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We have observed broad H i absorption in the radio galaxy 3C 293 using Multi‐Element Radio Linked Interferometric Network (MERLIN) at 0.2‐arcsec angular resolution and the Giant Meterwavelength Radio Telescope (GMRT) at arcsec resolution. Extensive H i is found in absorption across the centre of this peculiar radio galaxy, allowing a detailed study of the dynamics of the neutral gas on linear scales down to ∼160 pc. In optical depth position–velocity diagrams across the central few kpc we detect a distinct velocity gradient of 179 km s−1 arcsec−1 associated with the broad absorption. This is interpreted as a ring of neutral gas rotating around the suspected position of the active galactic nucleus (AGN). The radius of this high velocity gradient ring is found to be >0.74 arcsec (600 pc), implying an upper limit upon the enclosed mass of , assuming a near edge‐on disc with an inclination of i. The optical depth of H i is mapped across the entire central region of 3C 293 showing enhancements of a factor of 4 in the areas that are co‐spatial with dust lanes seen in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging of this galaxy.

New observations using narrow band imaging, long-slit spectroscopy and MERLIN observations of the nuclear region of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4051 have been made. An edge brightened, triangular region of ionized gas extending 420 pc from the centre of the galaxy has been detected. Long-slit spectra of this ionised gas, taken at 1.5 ′′ from the core, show the [O iii] 5007-Å emission line to consist of two velocity components, both blue-shifted from the systemic radial velocity, with velocity widths of 140 kms −1 and separated by 120 kms −1 . This region is co-spatial with weak extended radio emission and is suggestive of a centrally driven outflow. The [O iii] 5007-Å line spectrum and image of this region have been modelled as an outflowing conical structure at 50 • to the line of sight with a half opening angle of 23 • .In addition to the extended structure, high resolution MERLIN observations of the 18-cm nuclear radio emission reveal a compact (1 ′′ ) radio triple source in PA 73 • . This source is coincident with the HST-imaged emission line structure. These high resolution observations are consistent with a more compact origin of activity (i.e. a Seyfert nucleus) than a starburst region.

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