ANDOVER’S MP said he would “welcome” a bid to fund extended street lighting in Hampshire as part of the government’s Safer Streets scheme.

Kit Malthouse, who is also the policing minister, told the Advertiser he hopes that further rounds of funding will soon be made available, after the Prime Minister recently announced round three of the scheme, comprising of £25 million.

He added: “I would certainly welcome a bid from Donna Jones [Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner] around street lighting and safety in Andover, if that is what the people of Andover tell her they want.”

It comes after Cllr Iris Andersen (TVBC, Andover St Mary’s) renewed her calls for a street light review in Hampshire, so that there is not total darkness in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Malthouse also said he supported Ms Jones calls for people to report incidents to police, following recent cases of spiking in night clubs.

He said: “It is very alarming. It’s key for us to get a clear picture, so anybody who thinks they may have been assaulted in this way must report it.

When asked about how the case of Sarah Everard may have affected people’s trust in police, he added: “I would have no doubt about reporting these things. While recent events have of course been very distressing, not least for Sarah Everard’s family, they are also very distressing for thousands and thousands of police officers working hard to keep people safe every day.

“I hope and believe that the British public will come forward to help them do this.”