NOTHING stays the same forever and how things were done 50 – or even 10 – years ago is not necessarily the best way for them to be done today.

Yet the Daily Echo’s exclusive report today that 33 Hampshire police stations will have disappeared for good in a decade by the end of 2018 will still send a chill down the spine of many.

Despite protestations that this is just the force becoming leaner and better equipped for fighting crime in the 21st century, all they will see is the thin blue line getting that bit thinner.

Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Simon Hayes, who is behind the overhaul, insists he is making the force fit for the future and making sure taxpayers get more value for their money.

But for it to be a success, Mr Hayes, chief constable Andy Marsh and his officers will have to reassure people that dispensing with the bricks and mortar does not mean that the force is withdrawing from communities across the county.

The most vulnerable, such as elderly and disabled people, see police stations as a reassuring presence so it is vital everyone retains full access to officers and police remain visible.

But that will not be easy with police numbers being slashed due to funding cuts.

Clearly some hard decisions await.