ALRESFORD police and fire services are moving in together to cut costs.

The Alresford Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) will share office space at the fire station in Pound Hill, Alresford.

It follows a review of the force’s estate with some buildings found to be surplus to requirements.

Winchester Rural North Sector Inspector Patrick Reddin, said: “We promised in 2011 that we would not be leaving Alresford, just moving location and we have kept to our promise.

“The new facility is a method to reduce public costs, share facilities with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and continue to provide a quality service to the public."

“There will be very little noticeable difference to the service provision from police at Alresford. The resource strength will be identical and the new sharing facility is a short walk from the existing building and on the main road, providing greater visibility.”

Newly elected Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes said he wanted other stations across the county to follow Alresford’s example.

He said: "We cannot remain wedded to the idea that we need a police station to have a policing presence - officers need to be at the heart of the communities they serve, and if that means working with our partners in buildings such as community centres and supermarkets, that is the move we should be making."

Hampshire Fire & Rescue service station manager Glenn Bowyer added: “I am delighted that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Constabulary are working together in this way. It clearly demonstrates our commitment to work closely together and find more efficient ways to do so.”

Vacated buildings will be sold to raise money for the Estate Development Programme which includes a new headquarters, an operational police campus, four Police Investigation Centres and extensive refurbishment to current buildings.