Candidate launches petition to save Portsmouth police station

Stephen Morgan, Labour candidate for Charles Dickens ward at the upcoming city council election, started the petition.

So far 71 people have signed it, lobbying Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes.

The station is under-threat as Mr Hayes plans to open a police investigation centre (PIC) to replace the Winston Churchill Avenue base and Fratton station.

Currently his office is looking at a site in Havant, which could mean Portsmouth is left without a police station if Southsea also closes.

Response and neighbourhood officers, along with Portsmouth’s district commander, will be based in Guildhall.

Mr Morgan said: ‘At a time when overall crime in the city has increased by nine per cent, and violent crime in the city centre is even higher than that, we are concerned about the impact this proposal will have on the people of Portsmouth.

‘These changes will have a huge impact on police visibility in our communities, the feelings of safety and security in our city and the ability of residents to report crime and disorder face-to-face.

‘This is another example of public service cuts in the city going too far, too fast.’

Hampshire police’s estate is controlled by the police and crime commissioner.

Labour has not publicly announced a candidate for the PCC election in May.