Beat bobbies face the axe

Up to 650 police jobs – including 90 bobbies on the beat – are to be axed over the next four years under plans for West Mercia police to work more closely with a second force.

The jobs, across both the West Mercia and Warwickshire forces, are being cut to try to save more than £30 million.

The cuts come after the two forces agreed a deal to work together to make sure they avoid duplicating services.

West Mercia Chief Constable David Shaw today accepted the cuts were 'uncomfortable' but insisted there was no other option.

The number of staff across both forces will fall from 5,400 to 4,750 by April 2016, but Mr Shaw said it was 280 fewer job losses than if they had made the reductions separately.

"We think there's probably 280 posts we can keep out there protecting the public, that we couldn't do if we weren't doing this with Warwickshire, so it is one of these things that absolutely makes sense."

He said West Mercia currently spent 82 per cent of its money on salaries and pensions and cuts were inevitable in the current economic situation.

The Alliance will see resources shared across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

It will mean some vehicles being shared and joint IT systems. There will be fewer people employed in support roles, fewer managers and police supervisors and both forces are seeking more Special Constables and other volunteers.

West Mercia Police needs to reduce its operating costs by £20.1 million by the end of 2015/16 and Warwickshire by £10.2 million.

Mr Shaw said: "It is not a comfortable position to be in and sadly it will have implications on the number of police officers and policing staff.

"But this is the best possible plan. I have been in policing for over 30 years and I understand how to get the best service for the public with the resources we have.

"We are right behind communities when they need us. It is not just about responding to calls."