A new cell block for people who have been arrested opens in the heart of residential Hollingbury, Brighton, on Monday.

When the plan was unveiled in 1996, the then chief constable Paul Whitehouse promised no prisoners would be released into the neighbourhood.

Now it appears some will in fact be released straight on to the streets and city councillors are quite rightly crying foul.

They backed the plan on the basis prisoners would be transported back to their homes or places of arrest.

Councillors are worried that, at the very least, the fear of crime among residents of Hollingbury and neighbouring Coldean and Patcham will increase.

Sussex Police have said there is no evidence crime rises when cell blocks are built in residential areas. They promise to watch developments closely and tighten up transport arrangements if crime does go up.

But this U-turn in policy, uncovered by The Argus, will make some people question the force's pledges.

Sussex Police should at least explain to those residents and councillors the reasons behind the change in policy and, perhaps, offer an apology.