A Hampshire MP has thrown her support behind rural convenience stores after a report found government assistance is needed to tackle retail crime. 

Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond has vowed to continue highlighting the challenge faced by rural shops following a report by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

The research found that stores in rural areas face multiple challenges including a limited police presence and extended response times.

The report also said access to cash was important as there is lower digital banking usage in rural areas.

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The MP said: “There is no doubt that in a rural constituency like Meon Valley, rural shops – often independent or community-run - are important.

“They are often the only lifeline for local communities, providing essential goods and services, like a Post Office, and also a sense of community and a focal point to meet.

“But the nearly 18,000 rural convenience stores in mainland UK are facing headwinds especially as shoplifting continues to rise and the digital rollout can be frustrating as I have found with my own campaign to connect villages.

“I will certainly continue to highlight rural stores, rural crime and the rural economy, including access to cash in rural areas, and I will speak to ministers about this important report.”

Ms Drummond has previously campaigned for better mobile and broadband coverage across Meon Valley.

However, the report said there was a need to bridge the gap to ensure that rural businesses can equally benefit from digital advancements.