RINGWOOD Police Station is set to close later this year, it has been confirmed.

Concerns the station would close were prompted ahead of a forthcoming scrutiny meeting of the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

The closure was confirmed by a spokesperson for the PCC. And the Daily Echo has been told the town's neighbourhood policing team will be moving into the town's fire station later this year.

Ahead of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel meeting later this year, town councillors met to discuss the impact of a diminished police presence in the town amid rumours the station was due to close.

The Mayor of Ringwood, councillor Tim Ward, told the Daily Echo that, providing the number of police officers in and around the town did not diminish then residents would probably accept the decision to close the station.

"If the presence of the police in and around Ringwood remained the same I don't think Ringwood residents would be too upset [that the station had closed] because the presence of police in the town has diminished in recent years," he said.

"We have asked for more of a police presence, as everybody has. It would be a welcome sight. As long as it doesn't diminish further."

It is understood that once the station is empty the site will be sold.

A meeting at the end of last month heard the town's Gateway office is being used by residents instead of the police station - where there is no counter service and meetings must be arranged in advance - to report crimes.

Cllr Ward added: "There is no front desk at the station anymore. You have to call. And people are reluctant to do that because they want to talk to people face to face."

He said staff at the Gateway are going "above and beyond" their usual remit helping members of the public in times of need.

"They do step up to the mark," he said. "Staff are very adept at helping people, and even making calls for them."

The meeting also heard calls for more frequent attendance at council meetings by a representative from Hampshire Constabulary providing updates on town-related issues.

The last time someone attended was in November 2015, members were told.