HAMPSHIRE police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has government support for her bid to add ‘Isle of Wight’ to Hampshire Constabulary’s name to cover its whole area.

The campaign took a big step forward when Kit Malthouse, minister of state for crime, policing and probation, wrote to her saying legislation was being planned to allow the change.

Ms Jones said: “People on the Isle of Wight indicated to me throughout 2020-21 that they feel disconnected from the mainland. This is not helped by the name of the force being ‘Hampshire Constabulary’.

“I am delighted that my bid to include the Isle of Wight in the police force area name has been successful and will now progress to seek parliamentary approval.”

The name change on uniforms, cars and buildings will be phased in as equipment is updated to avoid wasting public cash.