Police budget fears

Cutting staffing levels because of a shrinking budget confronts a meeting chaired this morning by chief constable Steve House.

Councillor Douglas Yates is East Renfrewshire's representative on the

North Strathclyde justice authority's board.

He thinks job losses are something local police could cope with.

Mr Yates told The Extra: "Over the last 18 months, the government has increased (the force) by 1,100 officers and when you consider the amount of effort undertaken to attain that figure, it's obviously disappointing.

"But it also indicates that there is a larger number of officers than ever before so I hope police will be able to manage the situation".

Meanwhile, Cathcart community cops have invited elected officials to a spending review meeting at the police office to discuss the impact these cuts could have locally.

David Meikle, councillor for Pollokshields, told The Extra: "I will be attending to speak to the new communities inspector Eileen Taylor who has invited local officials to discuss the spending review.

"I'm concerned how cuts will affect community policing in my ward.

"The new community officers who have been doing patrols in the area have been praised by local residents.

"I appreciate the need to make savings but frontline policing should be a priority and Strathclyde should be cutting back office costs before cutting the bobbies on the beat."

George McLachlan (73) who chairs Busby's community council praised two new community cops in his area and hopes they will be protected.

He declared: "Since they came to the area, it has made such a difference and disruptive elements in the community have been subdued.

"I have faith the local authority will continue to protect the police presence on the street".

Chief constable House initially set out his plans in a private meeting with senior councillors last week.

He was said to detail proposals to cut policing costs, ahead of the force's budget being trimmed by nine per cent in 2011-12 and by a further 5% annually for the following three years.