A parish council has voted to retain its police community support officer following a debate on her future in the village.

Talks began in Alresford after some residents and councillors expressed resentment at paying for PCSO Louise Cox from the parish council precept.

Around one-fifth of the annual budget goes to her wages - equating to about £13,000 per year, with the other half of her salary coming from the police force itself.

Parish council clerk, Jennie Pettitt, explained: "The debate was not personal against Louise.

"Some people were just concerned that we already pay for policing through our council tax and don't want to pay twice - £13,000 is quite a big chunk of the precept.

"But a huge amount of people came forward to say they wanted her to be kept on regardless of the cost."

At the last parish meeting, councillors voted eight to three in favour of retaining PCSO Cox in the village, after support was given from Sgt Andy Hastings and Ch Insp John Hayter.

"PCSOs are worth their weight in gold," Ch Insp Hayter told the meeting.

"They act as the eyes and ears of the local policing team."

Mrs Pettitt also praised PCSO Cox for her community work with the village school and other local organisations, as well as her contact with elderly people in the area.