ALTON police station is to become the central hub for policing in East Hampshire from April 1.

The front offices at both Whitehill and Petersfield police stations will close on Friday as part of cutbacks by Hampshire Constabulary in front office service provision, which is expected to save £1.7m per year.

It is thought to be the first stage to closing the stations and relocating personnel in the community or to other offices.

While more departments are expected to be based at Alton as the force pursues its chosen path of cutting costs by disposing of real estate, the front desk at Alton is also to have opening hours cut. As from today it will be open Tuesday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.