Petersfield police station to close

Police stations in Petersfield (pictured above) and Whitehill will close, it has been revealed. In a letter from Chief Inspector James Fulton, District Commander for Winchester and East Hants, members of East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) were informed that Hampshire Police had to save £50 million to meet Government spending targets. The plan is to achieve this by closing 17 police stations including two in East Hampshire.

 

CI Fulton points out that this is part of an estate review. This aims to develop and modernise access to police services to reflect the way they are being operated and used by the public. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams will stay and alternative locations are being sought for these teams in Whitehill and Petersfield.

 

Patrick Burridge, Leader of EHDC, said: ``I understand the need to save money and recognise the police commitment to continue to provide a professional and responsive service. But I question the logic of closing the Whitehill station. Surely in a garrison town there is always a need for an enhanced police presence.

 

``The proposals do come at a time of significantly falling crime rates but even a low level of crime is of concern to residents. It is essential to keep a cap on crime and so we will work closely with the police to identify the best locations to help the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to keep crime rates falling.``

 

The proposals are being put to the Police Authority for a decision on 23 June. They come at a time of significantly falling crime rates, and East Hampshire has major reductions in the followings areas:

 

Anti Social Behaviour
2008 = 2,986
2009 = 2,633
2010 = 2,198

 

Criminal Damage
2008 = 1,701
2009 = 1,429
2010 = 1,148

First Time Entrants into the Criminal Justice System
(aged between 10 and 17 years)
2008 = 185
2009 = 101
2010 = 65
(This is the lowest number of young people entering the Criminal Justice System in Hampshire).