FOR three months there won’t be police officers stationed in Petersfield.

Petersfield Police Station has closed in readiness for it to be taken over by Petersfield Museum trustees, who plan to convert it into a new-look museum for the town.

Butser Neighbourhood Police Team comprising almost entirely of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) covers Petersfield, and has moved to Waterlooville Police Station in Swiss Road.

Officers will remain there for up to three months, travelling to and from Petersfield by car or van, at times working out of their vehicles.

But Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane, whose office oversaw the sale of the police station, says residents needn’t be worried.

He said: “My understanding from the operational commander is that the move to Waterlooville shouldn’t have any impact on the policing of Petersfield.

“The move won’t increase the risk of harm, officers will be deployed as normal.

“It is only a temporary move while work converting East Hampshire District Council offices at Penns Place is finished, and then the team will move there.”

The officers were to move to Penns Place once the police station in St Peter’s Road shut for decommissioning.

A council spokesman said: “Our contractors have discovered small amounts of asbestos that were protected but now must be removed.

“We have called in specialists to dispose of it.

“Asbestos was commonly used in buildings of this age and does not represent a risk if properly dealt with, but unfortunately this has meant a delay to the work.”

But unlike the council offices, the police office won’t be open to the public.

Mr Lane said despite Penns Place being more than a mile from the town centre, he is confident the distance won’t adversely affect officers’ work.

And at the same time the temporary move to Waterlooville was revealed, it was announced that East?Hampshire’s Chief Inspector, Beth Pirie, was leaving the area.

She only had to look after East?Hampshire, but her replacement will also be managing Havant police.

Chief Inspector Pirie said: “On September 5, I will move to Southampton.

“East Hants and Havant will remain separate, but Chief Inspector Clare Jenkins will be the district commander for both areas.

“I am very happy that I will be passing the area on to someone who will be very good for the district.

“I will also be handing over a district that has relatively low crime levels, and a wonderful team that responds effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of the community.”