HUNDREDS of angry residents put police chiefs on the spot – demanding to know why they are set to lose their dedicated beat officer.

Around 350 people packed into St Mary’s Church, in Herriard, last Saturday, to raise concerns regarding police cuts that would see PC Andy Reid, who has served the beat for 10 years, no longer solely dedicated to Upton Grey and the Candovers.

Over 500 people have signed a petition against the proposed changes, which will see PC Reid covering a wider area as part of a larger team, supported by police community support officers (PCSOs).

Simon Dodds, district commander for Basingstoke and Deane, told the meeting: “The changes that are being proposed aren’t being done to try and provide a better service. A lot of this is being done as a result of the savings that the force has to make.”

He explained that of the 32 neighbourhood PCs in the borough, 11 of the roles would be lost. The 21 covering Basingstoke town will be reduced to 14, and the 11 covering rural areas will be cut to seven. There will also be a countrywatch PC.

PCs will then operate in teams, supported by PCSOs, which will be increased from eight to 10 to cover lower-level crime such as fly-tipping, dog fouling or truancy.

But one resident questioned how this will work, and said: “We need police with warrant cards rather than someone who can move you on because you are not at school.”

Borough councillor Onnalee Cubitt suggested the force was “failing us all when we strongly believe that the set-up and structure is the best for us now.”

Simon Hayes, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “When I was appointed two years ago, I didn’t think the Government was going to continue this pressure of austerity on policing.

“We have to look at how we can deliver the best service to the community with the resources we have.”

An Upton Grey resident asked how much the changes would save the force, for “causing this turmoil”.

But Mr Dodds was unable to answer, and said: “The cost isn’t broken into individual communities.”

David Don, a retired chief superintendent with the Met police, was applauded for saying: “If you can’t cope, then I feel it’s time that an amalgamation should come in.”

Mr Hayes responded: “I’m not telling you we can’t cope. I’m telling you we have got a plan to cope.”

Mr Don added: “You will wake up in 12 months, and you will have lost that contact with the public.”

But Mr Hayes said the plan will work “providing we don’t reduce the budget less than it is at the moment.”

Susan Marriott, a parish councillor for the Candovers, asked about parish councils funding policing.

Mr Hayes said this was possible, and has happened in other areas.

He explained that in order to raise council tax, a referendum would need to be held, before asking everyone if they would be prepared to pay more for better policing, to which there was a resounding ‘yes’.

It was suggested that if police are reduced, people may take the law into their own hands.

Mr Dodds said: “I don’t think we have reached that point at the moment and I can’t condone doing that.”

Mr Hayes said he was “appalled” by the “ignorance and disinterest” of some politicians regarding policing, adding: “The Government isn’t supporting policing in a way it should do.”

He urged people to write to their MPs, adding: “What we are part of here is a public movement to express the concerns about policing to the Government.”