'˜No deal' on location for Portsmouth police hub

NO DEAL has been signed on a proposed police hub for Portsmouth, the police and crime commissioner has said.
Fratton Police StationFratton Police Station
Fratton Police Station

Michael Lane was speaking yesterday, 100 days since he took office after winning the election in Hampshire.

A new police investigation centre, due to replace custody at Portsmouth Central and offices at Fratton stations, was due to be in place by 
now.

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Problems over finding suitable land and landowners hiking prices had previously been blamed for the delay.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael LaneHampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane

Simon Hayes, the previous commissioner, ditched a plan to build it in Havant, instead saying an undisclosed site the city would be chosen.

Speaking to The News Mr Lane said: ‘It’s a little bit what it is, however unsatisfactory that is for me and for everybody else.

‘We won’t know when until we can get a deal on the right site and look at how quickly we can properly develop that site.

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‘I have been in post for 100 days, I’m ready to make a good decision as soon as one is on the table.’

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael LaneHampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane
Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane

He added the site and deal for the building was one of his first questions when he arrived in post and he is prepared to take ‘courageous decisions’ over the building.

He would not reveal the preferred site in the city.

Previously Mr Hayes said if a city site fell through then Fratton and Portsmouth Central would be refurbished.

Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of the Lib Dems in Portsmouth, said it was more important to have a location in the city than rush it.

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He said: ‘We’ve got to make sure police are accessible to residents when they need them.’

Mr Lane is currently consulting on his police and crime plan, with the draft going to the police and crime panel on October 7.