On Friday, Suella joined Donna Jones, Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, and Chief Constable Scott Chilton in Fareham with other Hampshire MPs to learn about the Commissioner’s commitment to drive up police visibility and make police accessible to the public once more.
The Police & Crime Commissioner announced she will reopen 10 more police stations to the public over the next 18 months. This is the latest announcement the Commissioner has made to bring police closer to communities, improve visibility, support the Chief Constable’s new operating model and deliver excellent local policing.
Suella was delighted that Fareham constituents are set to directly benefit from the scheme. Park Gate Police Station will be opening in Spring 2024. This will mean local residents can easily visit their local police station to report a crime, hand over property, get advice or seek reassurance right on their doorstep.
The Commissioner earmarked £2 million in the 2023–24 budget to fund the scheme. Plans are already underway to deliver before the end of 2023. Alongside Park Gate, the following stations across Hampshire will be opened: Cowes, Portsmouth Central, Petersfield, Totton, Ryde, Yateley, Eastleigh, Cosham and Gosport.
As a strong advocate for common-sense policing, Suella applauded Donna’s plan that will deliver visible, local policing that reassures communities they will be kept safe.
Commenting, Suella said:
“It was excellent to join Police & Crime Commissioner Donna Jones and Chief Constable Scott Chilton in Fareham with other Hampshire MPs to learn more about their exciting plan to increase the public’s access to their local police forces.
“Reopening new police stations will make a significant difference to local communities. With increased accessibility, people can easily pop into their local station to speak with the police, report a crime, ask for guidance or seek reassurance.
“It’s fantastic that Park Gate Police Station will be reopening soon, thanks to Donna’s commitment to bolster neighbourhood policing in our area. This will mean there are better and more policing resources in the heart of the community for my constituents.”
