Parents are worried about their children's safety after plans to build a custody centre near a primary school won backing.

Sussex Police wants to build the centre with 18 cells and three juvenile detention rooms close to Dallington Road in Hampden Park.

It follows a review into custody centres which concluded centralising them at six locations across the county would be more efficient and cost effective.

The proposed centre in Hampden Park would hold an average of 17 suspects a day with an average stay of six hours.

But the move has provoked fears among parents for the safety of their children at Highfield County Junior School in Hampden Park.

Some feel the release of arrested people into the area could create the potential for trouble. Residents also fear a reduction in property prices and increased household and car insurance.

One parent said: "We're not opposed to the idea of having a custody centre just the location of it.

"There are other areas in the town which would be more suited to this type of development."

Head teacher Brian Hartshorn said: "Some people feel very strongly about not having it so close by."

Eastbourne Borough Council officers said residents' concerns about suspects are unfounded.

They have recommended the plan be approved when the council's planning and licensing committee meets on Tuesday.

In an information sheet to residents, Sussex Police said the site was ideal as it gave immediate access to the A22 and A27, minimising travel time from arrest to custody.

They also allayed concern about the risk of suspects escaping from custody.

It stated: "Escape from police custody is extremely rare. In the whole of Sussex last year only one person escaped and was immediately recaptured.

"The new site will afford much greater protection and security for the community because of innovative designs and new technology. Any detainees considered to present an escape risk are given closer inspection."

They also stress Eastbourne police station would remain in its existing town centre site and that policing in the area would not be affected by the project.

It adds: "The offences for which people are arrested are far ranging. It is important to remember a person who has been arrested has not been found guilty by a court.

"They are held at the custody centre to allow an investigation to take place and so they can be interviewed in appropriate conditions with proper safeguards."