Retiring West Mercia Police chief says cuts will hurt

Shropshire will soon have to deal with the reality of a smaller police force as budget cuts bite, the retiring chief constable of West Mercia Police has warned.

Speaking during a visit to Shrewsbury police station yesterday, Chief Constable Paul West said cuts on the police would soon take effect. He said the idea of "doing more with less" was one being regularly demanded of the police.

But this may not be sustainable for much longer, he added.

"You have got to come to a point where if you are losing resources, this idea of doing more with less is not doable," said Mr West.

"We have to be honest with the public that looking to the future there will be fewer police officers and fewer police staff. That is a big challenge for the future."

He also reflected on the resignations of Sir Paul Stephenson and John Yates from the Met Police over the phone hacking scandal, describing it as a "personal tragedy" for both men.

"It has been a momentous and tumultuous few weeks, particularly last week with the two resignations, both of whom are people I know," he said. "Both are outstanding officers and John Yates has done outstanding work.

"It is a real personal tragedy for both of them and together for the police service."

Both men resigned this month, with Stephenson stepping down on July 17 over what he termed "ongoing speculation and accusations relating to the Met's links with News International at a senior level".

Yates quit the following day, with, he said, "great regret" having "acted with complete integrity".

Mr West, who leaves tomorrow after 32 years in the police and eight in the top role in the West Mercia area, said he was sure the inquiry into phone hacking would also show there was no major problem with corruption among police.

He said: "I have never been anywhere like being offered money by the press. It just doesn't happen.

"We do feel under the cosh. But any suggestion there is some sort of endemic problem is so far wide of the mark it is untrue."

By Chris Burn