I REFER to your page in last weeks paper with reference to "Historic Chapter" as Police station is re-opened to public (Chronicle, March 27).
Ms Jones called the re-opening of the station as a 'historic chapter, she went on to say 'For the public, I am really pleased this is the ninth police station that I've opened in the last year.' She goes on to say I think I'm the only PCC who has been able to open police station at the volume I have. Giving the public back what they want, which is a front counter and the ability to speak to a police officer. She has also stated there will be further stations opening over the next twelve months and we have more police officers, bring back the local bobbies.
Great but what about the Alresford Area and police cover, which appear to be extremely thin on the ground. I pass the fire station several times a day. There are no civilian cars on site, only police vehicles stationary. It can be a whole week they are there, which mean there must be no local cover.
So I would like to know from Ms Jones just when will might see the Alresford Police Station open, when would we see police officers actually on the beat - is it out of date?? - No unless you include Alresford and the large rural area. Trust will never be there. Given we in Alresford and surrounding area have to put up with cover from Bishop's Waltham.
I would like to actually meet Ms Jones and see just what is planned for us in Alresford - it is such a wonderful small market town full of history, interest and people who would like an answer.
In case Ms Jones is thinking - yes comments noted. But what assurance does this give me that he knows about the local area and local matters.
As an ex-Hampshire Police Officer (27 years experience) with vast local knowledge followed by 10 years experience as first of the station duty officer (civilian) at Eastleigh. I know you can't get the "locals" on board without the simple word TRUST - to get this you must talk to people, when they trust you they open up on local knowledge and what's going on. For your info - I am involved with Alresford Watercress Festival, I have been involved for 22 years and the Chair for that time, 24 years at Alresford Bowls Club, with the Town Council where I helped to create the Alresford Allotments from a bare field, having received the Winchester Mayors award for Services to the community and for 22 years helped Alresford Surgery with prescription deliveries to the rural community.
J D Cattle
Alresford
Send letters by email to newsdesk@hampshirechronicle.co.uk or by post to Editor, Hampshire Chronicle, 5 Upper Brook Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8AL.
All letters and e-mails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details might be withheld from publication, on request, if the reason justifies it.
Letters of 300 words or fewer will have priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.
Share