PETERSFIELD'S popular police inspector, who has served the town for many years, left the area this week.

Insp Steve Sargent has been transferred to another part of the county as part of Central HampshireÕs reorganisation and PetersfieldÕs merger with Whitehill.

This week tributes have been paid by community leaders to his hard work and popularity, and Insp Sargent thanked the community for its support.

ÒIn preparation for the proposed amalgamation, last Sunday was my final day in charge of Petersfield police station and I would like to express my thanks to the public of Petersfield and its villages for their constant support, co-operation and encouragement over the years,Ó said Insp Sargent.

ÒI would particularly like to pay tribute to literally hundreds of people who are working for us on a voluntary basis in the form of Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and deputies, helpers at the SNAP discos, and special constables. It is mainly through their caring and public-spirited efforts that the strong community links, which have been especially evident recently, were forged.Ó

He added that constables and sergeants in Petersfield would continue the tradition of Òold-fashioned-style policing that is valued by the community.

ÒWhen on foot patrol on our streets, every Pc who has just transferred here from the city has been amazed at the warm reception from the public and the readiness of people to assist with enquiries, be witnesses and pass on criminal intelligence in confidence. Groups of teenagers on the street corners will talk - and listen - to our officers, having seen them previously in a positive atmosphere at the SNAP disco,Ó he said.

ÒThis excellent relationship with the public has contributed to a generally low crime rate, and a good rate of success in solving crime. I would, of course, like to see further improvements but, for the time being, we should remember how fortunate we are to live in an area like this.Ó

The man behind the Save The Petersfield Police Campaign, town councillor Aaron Baird, this week praised Insp Sargent and said his departure and the removal of a dedicated inspector for Petersfield amounted to a Ôsorry dayÕ for he town.

ÒI pay this tribute to Steve Sargent: he operated an open door policy towards all local politicians. This speaks of honesty, integrity and openness - as an individual and as a serving police officer,Ó he said.