Hampshire County Council to spend almost £500,000 on security upgrades
Almost half a million pounds will be spent on making sure councillors and staff are safe
Hampshire County Council has approved plans to spend up to £470,000 on security upgrades at its headquarters in Winchester.
The work at Elizabeth II Court will include new security gates, extra staff pass readers and additional CCTV cameras.
Council documents say the upgrades are needed to improve safety and reduce security risks for councillors, staff, visitors and key services based at the building.
The plans form part of efforts to strengthen security across the authority’s main offices.
A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “The investment in additional security measures is part of a broader programme to ensure that all our premises continue to meet current safety and security standards.
“As with many public-facing buildings, it is important that safety and security arrangements are periodically reviewed and updated, where necessary.
The work is expected to be completed before the end of the current financial year.
The spokesperson added: “Details of the programme are still being finalised, including the timing of the works, due to be completed this financial year. We do not anticipate any impact on our day-to-day service delivery or operations as a result.”