HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has been praised for its cash saving initiatives while protecting the public as it battles to cope with impending savage cuts.

A report by the HM Inspector of Constabulary found the force to have a "strong track record" of making savings and "good" at keeping people safe and reducing crime.

However, it comes just weeks after the chief constable Andy Marsh warned that another round of multi-million pound cutbacks could see officer numbers slashed to a "dangerous" level.

The report by the HMIC praised the force for implementing an "ambitious" new operating model designed to meet demand and provide better efficiency while dealing with reduced resources.

Collaboration with other agencies, such as the fire service, was also commended, as well as the force's use of new technology such as body-worn cameras.

It comes after the force has saved £80m since 2010, which has seen 1,500 jobs lost, police station shut and buildings sold off.

And next month it is feared the Home Office could shave off another 40 per cent of their budget - which equates to £65m.

Zoe Billingham, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said: "HMIC found that Hampshire Constabulary is very well prepared to face its future financial challenges and we have judged the force as good.

"The way the force is planning to meet its longer term financial challenges while making sure it provides an effective service for the public is outstanding."

However, when speaking to the Daily Echo last month, Mr Marsh was less confident of what future cuts will mean for the service.

If Government cuts are as bad as they are feared, he admitted tough decisions would have to be made and that the public should be concerned.

He said: "I wouldn't say that what we have done so far was easy. We have protected our neighbourhood teams in a way other forces have not been able to do.

"But if we have to save more, then we will have to consider what we are going to do. That will have an impact on frontline services and I don't want to shy away from that."

The report also highlighted some areas which have suffered as the constabulary tries to maintain a good service while saving cash.

This includes longer times to deal with calls and "significantly" fewer investigators on duty at the weekends than on weekdays.