The long-awaited new police station in Worthing opened its doors yesterday.

Just yards away from the ageing station at Union Place, the Chatsworth Road site is now up and running.

Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield assured people the smaller station would not mean fewer officers in the area and said: "We are obviously really pleased we have retained a town centre police station.

"The old police station, which undoubtedly holds very fond memories for ex-policemen - and not so good memories for some of the criminals - had got to the end of its days.

"As part of Sussex Police's commitment to providing a better service to the public, we have moved to a very central town centre station which is open for more hours and allow us to be accessible."

The station will be open to the public from 8am to midnight, seven days a week.