A shake-up of policing in Brighton and Hove could see a large number of officers transferred from the city centre to Hollingbury.

Most of the city's 400-plus officers are based at the main police station in John Street, Brighton, but discussions are being held on a plan to switch a large number to Sussex House in Crowhurst Road.

Chief Inspector Lance Gray said it could enable more efficient use of officers who police Withdean, Preston Park, Patcham, Hollingbury, Coldean, Moulsecoomb, Whitehawk and the rest of east Brighton.

Another idea being floated is a front-counter service for the public at Sussex House but Mr Gray said no decision had been made.

Mr Gray is one of three new chief inspectors in charge of policing the city.

Brighton and Hove was divided into two areas, Inner and Outer, when the old Brighton and Hove police divisions merged on April 1.

Eight months on, the system is being scrapped in favour of three districts - Hove, central Brighton and east Brighton.

Outer, which covered an area from east Brighton to Hove, proved too big.

Chief Superintendent Doug Rattray, head of the city police, said: "The new districts follow natural boundaries and make more sense for residents."

As we revealed last week, Hove's new chief inspector is Jayne Rhodes.

Central district, taking in Regency Street, North Laine, Hanover, Elm Grove, Queen's Road and most of Kemp Town, will be run by Chief Inspector Lisa Pearcey.