ROMSEY MP Caroline Nokes has said that she was made aware of recently revealed policing number issues in Test Valley by The Romsey Advertiser as opposed to the force itself.

As reported, there are only 11 PCSOs for the entire of Test Valley, and 13 police constables.

A letter written to the chairs of parish councils across the borough from Test Valley district commander Kory Thorne said that he was concerned in the rapid reduction of numbers.

He also said that the Conservative government was penalising the force.

He said: "Steps will be taken to fill these vacancies but that can't occur until a review of neighbourhood policing that is being conducted by the constabulary is complete.

"This review is being undertaken to prepare us for potential future budget reductions as the current government funding arrangements penalise us as a force."

Conservative MP and immigration minister, Caroline Nokes, said she would raise the issue with Home Office colleagues, but Hampshire Constabulary hadn't notified the MP of their concerns.

She said: "I am always happy to raise any issue brought to me by Hampshire Constabulary with Home Office colleagues, however, I was only made aware of these most recent number after contact with The Romsey Advertiser.

"I will be making contact with senior officers shortly to ascertain how I might be able to help."

The borough is supposed to have 20 PCSOs and 16 PCs, but due to a number of reasons including funds, maternity leave and promotions, there are currently 11 PCSOs and 13 PCs.

Chief Inspector Thorne added in the letter: "I know that the current PCSO staffing situation will be concerning to you and your communities and as soon as I am able to (following the neighbourhood policing review) I will be requesting PCSOs to be redistributed from other areas of the constabulary and also new PCSOs to be recruited to fill the vacancies."