Consultation with the public over policing issues in Sussex is flawed and ineffective, according to a report.

A total of 21 police community consultative groups (PCCGs), some formed more than ten years ago to allow the public to air views, are not producing tangible results, it said.

The groups are debating the report and will give their responses by September 16.

The Sussex Police Authority (SPA), which oversees PCCGs, wants major reforms.

Authority chairman David Rogers, Liberal Democrat leader of East Sussex County Council, made it clear in the report that "no change is not an option."

The report said: "All too frequently PCCGs are seen only as an opportunity for discussing operational policing matters rather than contributing constructively to positive development."

The report favours a drastically reduced number of groups following police divisions and local authority boundaries and fewer meetings.

It wants SPA, not PCCG members, members to chair the groups and to "develop the capacity to consult across the whole community".

This would include public displays and focus group meetings.

Mr Rogers praised the PCCGs but said: "The fact remains that the SPA has to improve the effectiveness and range of its consultation by identifying new ways of engaging with the community."

Helen Frederick, clerk to PCCGs in Worthing, Burgess Hill, South Weald and Lewes and Seahaven, said members generally recognised the need for change.

She said: "We are pleased the report has made people think about what we are trying to achieve."

Battle PCCG clerk Julie Hanks said some members were unhappy with the proposals but all recognised the need for change.

There was a need to reach out to younger people and for school visits.