THE future of Hampshire Police’s marine unit is hanging in the balance as it faces a massive funding cut.

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes is calling for an urgent strategic review of marine policing nationwide after the Government proposed cutting funding by 50 per cent.

The marine unit has a variety of responsibilities from counter terrorism activity to protecting major events like the Americas Cup World Series and the Cowes Week Regatta.

It also patrols significant sites such as the Naval Historic Dockyard and cruise ship terminals in Southampton.

Mr Hayes said: “This potential loss of funding causes me great concern. A reduction in funding to this level would bring into serious question the future viability of the Marine Unit and would inevitably require a decision on whether we ask the Hampshire taxpayer to help subsidise the unit by making up the loss from general police budget, or cut the service.

“Hampshire’s Marine Unit has responsibility for patrolling the significant coastal areas and rivers of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This includes the Solent, which is unique within the UK and worldwide, due to the high density mix of commercial, leisure and naval vessels sharing the same water.

“It also provides the mutual aid capability to other forces situated on the south coast. Clearly, any decisions regarding the funding of this critical service will have implications beyond Hampshire’s borders, and as such any decision by Government needs to take into account wider role the unit plays.

“This is of national concern, not simply a risk to the safety and wellbeing of Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents and visitors.”

He added: “The long term risks for marine security are unclear. There have been attacks across the world related to shipping and coastal areas, and while these are disparate and distant they show the need for a policing service for our significant waterbourne community.

"We are also seeing an increase in immigration issues in European waters and in Calais/Kent the impacts and potential risks of which are yet be established.

“I believe that these proposed reductions, to what is already an efficient and effective deterrent, will have long term consequences for the security of our shores, and in the end will cost money rather than save it.”