Question mark over future of Battle Police Station

Rumours had been circulating around Battle and Rye that both of the town’s police stations were to be sold.

But Rother District Commander Chief Inspector Katy Woolford said although there were no immediate plans to move out of either building, she confirmed that Sussex Police were considering their options.

She said Battle Police Station, in North Trade Road, was old, too small and as far as the response hub was concerned, the building “is not really fit for purpose.”

Response officers from Rye and Bexhill have been based at Battle since September.

One possibility would be for police officers to move into premises with other partnership agencies, such as local councils or other emergency services.

Over at Eastbourne a number of frontline officers are already working out of council buildings.

But Ch Insp Woolford said that whatever happened, Battle and Rye would still have a police ‘outlet’ and there would be no job losses.

She said: “It’s not about jobs, it’s ensuring our buildings are fit for purpose, modern, economic and ensuring the public get the best out of us by making sure we are in the right location.

“I can understand people’s concerns, but it’s not about moving police out of local communities.

“It’s also about working with local partners to make us more effective.”

But Ch Insp Woolford stressed that nothing was set in stone and the Force could decide to invest in the current building.

She said: “It may be we invest a lot of money in Battle Police Station and bring it up to scratch.

“But we have to look at that and see if it’s viable.

“We are looking at buildings as to whether there is any building to suit the purpose.

“We would very much welcome comments from the public about any potential sites they think may be more effective or cost effective.”

Ch Insp Woolford added that any changes would not have any effect on police services in Battle.

She added that the public would be invited to have their say on any proposals.