RURAL policing has been thrown into sharp relief with the threat of cuts to frontline staff leaving some communities fearing a rise in crime.

It has sparked anguish over the need imposed by central Government for Hampshire Constab­ulary to make additional £25m savings over the next two years, and indignation that those communities that can, may feel impelled to top up neighbourhood policing out of tax payers' pockets.

Those that can't will have to accept that the cuts will result in a reduction and change in the way rural neighbourhoods are policed.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.