Police have rejected a claim by Mark Oaten that his constituents get a raw deal with police coverage.

The Winchester MP made the comments on Tuesday to constituency Liberal Democrat members in the Meon Valley.

He said: "Shortages are still a serious problem, largely due to high property prices. People feel insecure."

Chief Inspector Kerry Bedford dismissed the claims, insisting coverage in Meon Valley was sufficient. "We had to cut the number of beat officers for a while in summer. But now, as we return to full strength, the number is on the rise."

Mr Oaten responded by saying the police were being defensive in the media spotlight. "It was Meon Valley police who approached me over this and I know they've had recruitment problems over the last two years.

"It may be that today their numbers are OK, but that could change should a few officers go on sick leave."

The MP stressed that he did not believe lives were being put at risk, but felt action must be taken to maintain police levels across Hampshire.

He believes they should receive a London weighting in their salary to deter migration to the capital, or lower living costs outside the South.

The comments came after a Police Federation poll showed 100 out of 600 Hampshire officers were considering a transfer to another county on financial grounds.