THERE will be an increased police presence in Andover, Hampshire's police chief inspector has confirmed.

Andover's MP has told the Advertiser that he has met with chief inspector Hayley O’Grady to discuss crime in Andover. 

During the meeting, chief inspector O'Grady confirmed that Andover will see more police officers as part of a new policing model.

Speaking after the meeting at Andover Police Station, MP Kit Malthouse said: "A productive meeting with Chief Inspector O’Grady where we discussed the new policing model for Hampshire which includes named police officers for every beat, an increased rural presence, more proactive patrols and targeting of offenders, and locally based investigators.

READ MORE: Andover man caught with cocaine ordered to pay fine

"Chief inspector O’Grady also confirmed that these improvements will see more officers in Andover."

Kit said that there has been an above-the-national average "4.1 per cent increase in police funding" for Hampshire this year.

He continued: "This money is going on fighting crime in our towns and rural areas. Here in Andover, police are relentlessly targeting county lines drug gangs, making arrests, confiscating cash and phones, and dismantling operations.

"You will also be seeing more police out on our streets thanks to Hampshire getting more than 600 out of the national 20,000 new police officers - they will be fighting crime such as anti-social behaviour and burglaries, especially in our rural areas."

Hampshire Constabulary has been contacted for a comment.