Bishop’s Waltham Police Station reopens to public after 14 years

For the first time in 14 years, Bishop’s Waltham has a police station front counter where the public can report crimes or seek police advice, marking a significant moment in local policing for communities in the Meon Valley.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, reopened Bishop’s Waltham Police Station to the public today (Friday 20 March) having funded the installation of a new front counter and internal refurbishment works to bring the building up to standard.

The station on Hoe Road last opened its public front counter in March 2012.

From today, members of the public can report crime, share information, and seek policing advice face-to-face for the first time in over a decade.

Bishop’s Waltham is now the ninth new Police Station front counter across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that the Commissioner has opened.

Donna Jones said: “Reopening Bishop’s Waltham Police Station after 14 years is a huge moment for the Meon Valley. Residents have been clear, they want real, local access to their police, not a phone number, not a website, but a front door they can walk through. Today delivers that.

“We’ve already seen the big difference these front desks have made to our communities, making people feel safer and offering reassurance that police officers are on hand to support victims and get criminals off our streets.

“As Commissioner, my ambition is for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to be one of the safest areas in the country. With crime rates falling and charge rates improving, reopening another station helps bring communities closer to policing, rebuilds trust, and supports a growing workforce.

“The renovations here go beyond just the new public areas. They also now ensure our officers and staff have a better working environment, enabling them to do their jobs properly, and to continue delivering great results for their communities.”

Joining the Commissioner in cutting the ribbon to officially open the station, Chief Constable Alex Boon said: “Reopening Bishop’s Waltham Police Station is significant step that will boost our visibility and help deliver accessible, first‑class local policing.

“This isn’t just a building, it’s a promise that we are part of the community; present, approachable, and here when you need us.

“As we open these doors today, we look ahead to a future where our local officers build strong relationships and trust with our communities, tackling the crime that matters most to them and creating a safer place together.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Alex Rennie, added: “When stations shut, communities feel it. Reopening Bishop’s Waltham restores a vital link between residents and their police, and that connection starts again today.”

One of the staff present for the opening, working on the new Front Counter today, was one of the longest serving employees of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary – Police Contact Enquiry Officer Paul Newstead.

Paul joined the Force as a cadet in 1969, working throughout the two counties in locations such as Aldershot, Southampton, Lyndhurst and the Isle of Wight. He rose to the rank of Inspector, before retiring as a police officer in 2015. Paul returned to policing in 2016 as an Enquiry Officer in Winchester, where he continues to work – in his 57th year with the Constabulary.

Bishop’s Waltham Police Station is part of the second phase of Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones’ plan to bring police closer to communities, improve visibility and deliver excellent local policing. The front counter will be open each week on a Thursday and Friday from 8am to 4pm.

To stay up to date with all newly opened police stations and front counters, visit the Commissioner’s webpage: PCC – New Police Stations and Front Counters