The Newsquest-owned Hampshire Chronicle and Romsey Advertiser have already seen all of their sports reporting, picture and subbing operations moved to the offices of the Southern Daily Echo, in Southampton.

Now there are plans to reduce the number of reporting staff based at both the Chronicle's Winchester office and in the Advertiser's Romsey office.

Four reporters are understood to be at risk of redundancy as a result of the proposals.

Keith Redbourn, editor of the Hampshire Chronicle, said: "The sub-editing, sport and picture operations have already been streamlined between Winchester/Romsey and Southampton, and it is now time to look at closer co-operation between the newsdesk functions too.

"If the proposal goes ahead, unfortunately it would lead to a reduction in staff based at the Winchester and Romsey offices, and those affected have been advised that their positions have been put at risk of redundancy.

"However, we hope that any redundancies can be achieved on a voluntary basis, and we have now embarked on a consultation period which ends on September 26."