Work to begin on new police station for Petersfield

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has announced that renovation work is due to start next month on the new Petersfield police station.

The PCC has completed the purchase of the former Barclays building on The Square. Contractors will be on site in August and the police station is scheduled to open to the public early next year.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I’m delighted that the new police station is on its way for the people of Petersfield. The public want a police service that is accessible and open for business. I’m delivering on that pledge.

“The new base will have a front counter so people will be able to come in and report a crime, get updates or simply get advice and reassurance on any concerns they may have.

“Residents, businesses and visitors deserve a consolidated police presence back in Petersfield. This new base will not only boost police visibility but it will further support victims of crime and enable swifter justice in taking criminals off the streets and out of the community.”

The Commissioner announced last September that she would reopen 10 more police stations and front counters to the public in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Cowes, Portsmouth Central and Park Gate police stations were all opened earlier this year as part of phase one. The second phase will include a number of sites, such as Alton and Eastleigh, where there is a need for a front counter.

Opening more police stations is a key component of the PCC’s commitment to bring policing to every community across the two counties. The Commissioner has also pledged 75 more police officers over the next 12 months, on top of the 650 extra officers successfully recruited in her first term as PCC.

The Commissioner’s flagship policy of named and contactable Local Bobbies for every community will also continue with the number of Local Bobbies set to rise across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “Being in the heart of our local communities is crucial. Having a new permanent base in Petersfield town centre is just the latest step in our plans. It will provide greater visibility and access for the residents that we serve, and a far better environment for our officers and staff to work from. This is all part of our mission to put victims first, pursue criminals, and engage more effectively with local people in this area of East Hampshire.”

PCC Donna Jones added: “I share the same vision as the Chief Constable – for the public to be better connected to their police force. We are not shutting our doors; we are making sure that police officers are embedded in their local communities, and that the public are getting the police service they rightly expect and deserve.”