A new initiative has been launched which sees response officers working from police stations in Bishop's Waltham and Romsey.

Two new District Policing Team (DPT) hubs have been created at Meon Valley police station in Bishop's Waltham and Romsey police station.

It means a total of 20 DPT officers have started working from those stations, following the launch of the initiative on Monday 18 November.

District Policing Teams provide 24/7 response to incidents as they are reported to us, as well as owning certain investigations.

Previously, DPT cover for the southern portion of the Winchester district came from Fareham, and cover for the southern portion of the Test Valley district came from Hedge End.

Now DPT officers will be able to support their communities from these hubs, joining Neighbourhood Policing Team officers and other specialist teams who were already based at the stations.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said: “This initiative is part of our commitment to provide exceptional local policing to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Last year, we moved back to a geographical model of policing to bring us much closer to the communities we serve.

“The opening of these hubs will mean shorter response times for when people need us the most, and allow greater flexibility for local commanders to manage their resources.”

Chief Inspector Korine Bishop, Winchester district commander, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to set this up. This will help us better support Bishop's Waltham and the other rural communities in this area.”