Police Shutting Up Shop

Sussex Chief Constable, Martin Richards, has announced plans to cut station opening hours to save £2m.

There are 35 police stations in Sussex and all those which currently open to the public will have their opening times cut.

The largest police station in the county could be closing its doors overnight for the first time ever. John Street in Brighton is currently open 24-7 but as from May it would be shut to the public between midnight and 8am.

Under Mr Richards' proposals stations in Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Worthing would close at 8pm instead of midnight.

Stations in Arundel, Durrington, Heathfield, Lancing, Peacehaven, Petworth and Selsey would all be shut to the public and you would need an appointment to see anyone.

The Sussex Police Authority, which oversees the running of the force, will debate the money-saving proposals at a meeting this coming Thursday.

In his report, Mr Richards justified the proposed closures by saying it would save money without reducing the service to the public. He said: "By altering the opening hours and the cost of Sussex Police front office public contact provision by reducing police staff posts, a contribution of approximately £2 million will be made towards the overall Force target of £52 million savings by 2015 without adversely impacting on customer needs."