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Police announce New Milton front office closure

Press Releases

Published: 26/01/2012

Hampshire Constabulary has announced the early closure of the front office at New Milton police station, from Wednesday, February 1.

The building will remain as an active police station, with the officers and staff working there still providing local policing as normal.

On October 18, 2011 the force made an announcement that followed a ten month review process which included public consultation, examining the number of visitors to front offices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and exploring the appetite for alternative police contact.

This announcement was about the decision to close the front offices where public demand was lowest, and New Milton front office was within this group. The intended date for closure was initially April 2012, but this date has now been brought forward to February 1 as a result of a shortage in the staff required to keep it open for an additional two months.

Inspector Steve Jackson said, “We understand that people may be concerned about this announcement but it’s important to recognise that we are not leaving. We are never complacent in wanting to maintain an active presence in every neighbourhood, and our officers have access to smart phones and laptops that mean they can do more work while out in the community, instead of having to spend extended periods of time in the office.

“Providing an excellent service to the communities in the New Forest is key for us, and there are a range of other contact methods available for those people who may have previously visited New Milton police station. The 101 number can be used for anything that is not an emergency; from reporting a crime to contacting a police officer and scheduling a visit, from asking advice, finding the date of your next local beat surgery, to reporting suspicious activity or a local concern. People can also visit our force website at www.hampshire.police.uk, email us, our Facebook and Twitter pages, or make a visit to Lymington police station.”

 

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