THE EAST of the city desperately needs the Bitterne Police Station to reopen.

In July of 2020, the current Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, announced plans to refurbish and reopen the Bitterne Police station.

This announcement was greeted with widespread approval from residents on the east of the city.

The reduction in police numbers and funding since 2010 has clearly left its mark on the city of Southampton and the east of the city is no exception.

We desperately need the station to be reopened as soon as possible and I would strongly urge the current PCC to update residents on time scales so that everyone can be reassured that this is happening on a timely and rapid basis.

I welcome the recent increase in funding for the police and the potential extra numbers that this will provide.

Everyone is more reassured when they see additional officers in our local communities.

However, the increase in recruitment is unlikely to be sufficient to compensate for the increase in numbers who have left the police service over recent years.

Hopefully, updated plans will be published very soon.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh

Peartree Ward

Southampton City Council