A Shropshire MP today said it was “crucial” front-line police officers were protected as new figures showed there are nearly 150 fewer officers in the West Mercia area than a year ago.

Home Office statistics released yesterday showed there were 2,303 officers in September 2010 – a drop of six per cent on the previous year when the force could boast a 2,445-strong officer workforce.

Across England and Wales, police numbers fell by more than 2,500 last year.

There has also been a reduction in the number of police staff from 1,736 to 1,686 – but a slight increase in the number of Police Community Support Officers from 279 to 281.

The fall in numbers comes amid fears of further job losses over the next four years as the police grants are cut by 20 per cent under the Government’s spending review.

West Mercia has already announced it is cutting 287 jobs as it tries to make savings of almost £10million.

Of the latest figures, Telford MP David Wright today said: “This is a worrying and developing trend across the UK. It’s crucial that we protect front-line police officers and CSOs on the beat.

“I will be raising this issue in parliament next Tuesday with the Policing Minister during an adjournment debate.”

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said he had met with the force’s chief constable Paul West and Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority before Christmas to discuss the proposed savings.

He said: “There is a hiring freeze which is why the numbers have come down but they expect to continue to be able to provide cover across the county despite the cuts to their budget.”

Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire, said public services were being provided against a backdrop nationally of interest on debt costing £120 million a day.

He said: “All public sector services are going to have to deliver more efficiently in order to save money.”

West Mercia Police’s director of finance Steve Howarth said: “There has been a planned reduction of 77 policing posts over the current and previous financial years.

“This is part of the force’s efficiency plan, ensuring police officers remain available for operational and frontline duties. The process involves the use of police staff to replace officers in roles that do not require the full range of policing powers.