Seaford Police are helping to conduct a new survey introduced by Sussex Police to determine how members of the public would like to contact the force in the future.

The move comes after it was announced that Sussex Police are expected to make £52million worth of spending cuts by 2015.

The Force is considering a number of options, including reducing the operation hours of some police station front counters or even closing some of the more costly police buildings as they look to protect their presence in communities whilst helping to cut the national deficit.

Through this consultation they hope to establish additional methods of policing that are fit for the present digital age after conceding that many of the current processes introduced decades ago are no longer practical.

In a press release, Sussex Police said: “It will help locate alternative, convenient contact locations in the heart of communities and will also look at what people would like to be able to do online or perhaps using their mobile phone.”

However, they were keen to reassure people living in the area that the quality of policing would not slip into decline as a result of whatever measures are eventually taken.

“If we do decide to close a police station after putting other contact locations in place, this will not result in a lower level of service for that area.

“Please be assured that changes to current provisions will not mean that the people in that area receive a lower level of service.

“Our top priority remains to deliver excellent policing to Sussex.”

To fill out the survey simply log on to www.sussex.police.uk or look out for police staff and neighbourhood officers who will be carrying out the short survey at co-ordinated events and as part of their everyday duties.

By Sam Watts