A major shake-up could be in the pipeline for policing around Brighton and Hove.

A new City Division, combining the two existing divisions of Brighton and Hove, could be up and running by January.

Brighton currently has its own division with Superintendent Andy Bliss in control.

Hove and Shoreham form a separate division with Superintendent Graham Cox in charge.

But under the plan, Brighton and Hove would merge to form a single division.

Shoreham and Southwick are likely to transfer to neighbouring Highdown division, which covers Adur and Worthing.

Sussex Police Authority member Ken Bodfish confirmed Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse had asked for a study into whether the new divisional boundaries would work.

He said: "The report from the study will be ready in June or July and I expect the new City Division could be created and operational by January.

"Although nothing has yet been decided, I fully expect the new division will be created."

The news comes despite assurances in December that there were no plans for a city-wide police force.

On December 19, Sussex Police congratulated Brighton and Hove on being awarded city status by the Queen. At the time a spokesman said: "The two divisions have successfully worked together and there is no practical reason to amalgamate."

But Mr Bodfish, a Brighton city councillor, said creating the new City Division was something he and others had campaigned for over the past two years.

He said: "You cannot have a unitary authority's policing split by a boundary down the middle.

"It makes sense in practical terms that the police divisional boundaries should coincide with those of the city council.

"The Chief Constable has listened to what we have been saying and has asked for a report.

"The report is looking at the practicalities of setting up a new division, including things such as costs and manning.

"If it finds there is duality of jobs, I think that is proof that the new City Division is needed.

"However, I don't think there will be any redundancies among officers or support staff."

Supt Cox said the new division would bring advantages to the city and said he looked forward to playing a role in its future if it went ahead.

He said: "My personal view is that the new division will go ahead. It will bring advantages including greater funding.

"Both divisions currently have their strengths and weaknesses. Brighton concentrates more resources on what it regards as serious crimes.

"In Hove, we dedicate resources to solving quality of life issues for residents such as begging, vandalism and graffiti, as well as serious crimes.

"The city will benefit from combining the policing policies of both divisions.

"The first step is seeing what the study recommends and then taking a decision."