A clear out has begun on the edge of Petersfield as council workers and the police are heading to new homes.

East Hampshire District Council has closed its Penns Place reception as part of their ongoing relocation to Monterey House on Bedford Road.

And the police may follow shortly with a deal imminent to convert the former Barclays Bank on The Square.

The council is focused on providing its “streamlined and efficient” services digitally as only as three per cent of customer enquiries came through their Penns Place reception.

A network of access points around the district offering a “live link-up” will be created while their 01730 266551 phoneline will remain open to customers who can’t use digital services.

“Removing our reception from Penns Place will mean the council is no longer tied to an expensive and outdated facility that is rarely used,” said EHDC leader, Cllr Richard Millard.

“This (digital) way of delivering our services to residents is leaner, more efficient and conforms with what our residents expect.”

The police look also set to leave Penns Place as a deal to secure the freehold for the former Barclays unit from EHDC is imminent with change of use planning application already submitted.

Donna Jones, Hampshire Police & Crime Commissioner, recently told a Petersfield audience that an exchange had been delayed because of “prolonged conversations” between Barclays and EHDC over the “dilapidated” state of the building and payments.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to exchange and complete just yet but that is now set for the end of April,” said Mrs Jones.

“The team are currently based in Penns Place but we want to get them into a much more visible location.”

The older listed part of the building will remain in EHDC’s ownership while seven parking spaces at the rear will also be purchased.