THE sign on the door says it all – as bosses at Petersfield police station formally announced that it is now permanently closed to the public.

The front desk finally closed on March 9, leaving residents to either use a free phone at the front of the building or travel long distances to speak to a police officer.

The message on the door is plain and simple: "We're sorry this front office will now remain closed. Please use the phone outside the entrance to contact the Free Enquiry Centre. Our operators will be able to assist you with your query and get help to you quickly in an emergency."

It brings to an end the public facility and heralds the sale of the police station as part of Hampshire Police's £50m programme of cuts.

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