The Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner has reopened a police station in Park Gate in a bid to improve access to policing for the public.

Park Gate police station, which was shut to the public more than ten years ago, is now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

A number of specialist police teams work from the station, and a brand-new front counter is now in place to begin welcoming the public back into the building.

The crime commissioner, Donna Jones, said: “Increasing the number of open police stations and front counters from 13 to 23 is driving up police visibility and supporting the chief’s new operating model to deliver exceptional local policing.

“As Commissioner, the public have told me they want a police service which is accessible and open for business, ready to support the local community and respond to crime.

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Daily Echo:

“Opening Park Gate is another milestone reached on that journey.”

Ms Jones will open a further seven sites in the months to come. She has promised every district in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight will have a police station open to the public.

“I would like to publicly thank the OPCC Estates team and the constabulary for their efforts over the last six months to get both stations open, operational and ready to welcome the public,” she said.

She added: “This is just the start. Police stations are also set to open in Totton and Eastleigh.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “Being in the heart of our communities allows us to be more effective in providing a visible police presence, keep our communities safe and prevent crime happening.

“By having more police stations open to the public, we can hear your concerns first hand, proactively target those who are committing crime and ultimately deliver exceptional local policing.”

He added: “With the commissioner’s support, we are putting police officers and staff in the places they need to be and allow the public better access to our services.”