A PETITION signed by more than 1,600 residents has failed to keep a neighbourhood police officer stationed in their area.
PC Debra Surridge will now operate from Havant Police Station as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s new Havant and Emsworth team.
The announcement made by county police comes after more than 1,600 residents backed a petition to keep PC Surridge in a role dedicated to Hayling Island amid alleged force cuts.
Despite the move, police assured signees PC Surridge would continue to serve the area as part of Havant’s district team of 15 neighbourhood constables.
In an online statement, Waterlooville inspector, Dave Humphries, said: ‘PC Surridge works on the Neighbourhood Policing Team and that is not subject to any cuts in January. What is changing is the line management of Hayling Island.
‘As of the 1st of January 2018, Hayling Island will be managed by Inspector Andy Clinton and Sgt Ross Freemantle as part of the Havant and Emsworth team – this is due to a rebalancing of resources.’
It was Paul Gray – Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Havant – who set up the petition, aimed at the constituency’s MP, Alan Mak.
Read More here: