New police station for Alresford opens (From Basingstoke Gazette)

New police station for Alresford opens

10:08am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Winchester By Andrew Napier

ALRESFORD's new police station was officially opened on Tuesday, a blueprint for joint working with the fire service.

The town's police and PCSOs have moved from their base on Station Road to the fire station - only the second such share in Hampshire.

On January 29, police, fire and civic chiefs gathered in the new base, the upstairs room at the station on Pound Hill.

Simon Hayes, the new police and crime commissioner, said: “This is quite an important day. It is only the second time the police and fire have shared. The first was in Stockbridge. It is a cost effective way to work for both of us. It is a presence on the High Street rather than tucked away.”

Sgt Mark Lamper, in charge of the three PCs and five PCSOs, said: “The atmosphere has lifted once we moved here. There's a great working environment. By working together it allows us to stay in Alresford and for the firemen to stay in Alresford as well.

“We are now closer to the town centre, people can see our vehicles. There is a pub across the road and a school across the road if we forget what we are doing!” he joked.

Station manager Glenn Bowyer said: “It will improve the way we work. We deal with things together. Coming together makes sense.

“This is not a fire station, this is not a police station. It is the hub of community safety in Alresford.”

Chief Inspector James Fulton, the area commander, said: “We said we were moving, not leaving. This proves you can believe some of the promises that the police make.”

County councillor Jackie Porter said: “It's really reassuring to see the building here and seeing so many familiar faces.”

Hampshire police is trying to tackle financial cuts by selling off stations such as Alresford and sharing bases with other services such as fire and local authorities.