A NEW base for police officers in Christchurch has been put forward to ensure a public presence is maintained in the town.

Christchurch police station was one of eight stations to close its doors to the public on March 1, despite rising fears over crime in the borough.

Counter provision at Winton, Ferndown, Wareham, Shaftes-bury and Dorchester also ended.

Now, town centre ward councillor Peter Hall has suggested a town centre building could be the ideal place for officers, to ensure they have a public presence in Christchurch.

He said a considerable number of town centre residents had expressed their concerns to him at the proposed loss of the police station.

“The thought of not having any accessible police presence is exceedingly worrying,” he said.

“As we have one of the highest proportions of retired senior citizens in the country, many are worried for their safety.

“Although we live in an area where crime is low, and being reduced year upon year, residents still have a fear of crime. I know that we all feel much more secure with a visible police presence.”

He said a building next to Bank Close car park, once used as a candle store, could be an ‘ideal’ option.

“This building, in my opinion would make an excellent site for a new police station, and would provide our residents, with the police presence they all require.

“As a town centre resident and local councillor, I would fully support this.”

Cllr Hall said he had been in contact with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Martyn Underhill about his idea and had been told his estate team would be in contact.

And Christchurch Borough Council confirmed they have been in discussions with Dorset Police about a continuing police presence in the town.