PETERSFIELD'S "fantastic town centre" has a key part to play in helping to grow the local economy according to the newly-appointed exchequer secretary to the Treasury.

Tory Damian Hinds was re-elected as East Hampshire's MP at last Thursday's polls and he said the main issue on people's minds in Petersfield was the growth of the economy.

"We do need to grow the economy and also the vitality of our town centres. Petersfield has a fantastic town centre," he said. "I think town centres are a key asset. Town centres have a much wider significance than just a place to shop."

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