A BOROUGH councillor has called for there to be a police station in Basingstoke because "residents do not feel safe".

The topic of conversation came up during a meeting of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's scrutiny committee on Tuesday, September 19, where members were given an update on the council plan.

The plan sets out the overall priorities the council want to achieve for residents, businesses and the borough.

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The plan for 2023 to 2027 will focus on these three priorities including a place where people can live happily, a borough where the environment can flourish and a council that provides good quality services for residents.

The plan was introduced to members by the leader of the council Cllr Paul Harvey and co-leader Cllr Gavin James. 

Cllr Harvey said: "The plan looks to directly address the priorities that the people, partners and businesses have clearly shared with many years with the council."

Cllr Tony Jones said in response: "Are you talking to the police because we have no police station in Basingstoke? Everywhere else south of Hampshire gets new police stations and I think people are quite worried. It is something that is needed in the town centre, it might be part of the town centre regeneration or it might not but it is something that is needed."

The Northern Hampshire Police Investigation Centre is based in Basingstoke and has a 36-cell secure facility and offices to accommodate approximately 350 investigators.

There is also a police neighbourhood and response team stationed on London Road in the town centre.

In response, Cllr Harvey said he has been in talks with Hampshire Constabulary about the future of policing.

He said the force is looking at how to re-engage with communities who "have lost touch with them".

He added: "I think the police are getting a grip on how they want to do policing locally and it will hopefully make a difference."

Cllr James said: "We are not ruling out a presence in the town, an accessible presence in the town, but it's not our decision it is something for the police to ultimately do."

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He continued: "I would rather see police out there patrolling and making us all feel safer because although most of us won't be a victim of crime, a police presence really does make a difference and makes people safe.

"I don't mind having a station but a really small one with a small canteen because they are all out there, out and about."

Despite this Cllr Jones said there needs to be something more because "the public are concerned" and have raised the issue.

He added: "By not having a police station people don't feel safe and people do not feel safe in this town."