THE county’s police force has announced a new operational model to improve the service it provides and save money.

We reported previously in your Worcester News how 98 officers and 189 staff roles are being cut to help West Mercia Police save £9.8 million over the next three years.

The changes which take effect from this week mean the force now has six commands - territorial policing, protective services, operational support, strategy and legal services, human resources and corporate services.

A spokesman said the changes have arisen as a result of the force's desire to provide a greater consistency of service to its communities and the need to secure value for money from the funding that the force receives.

Chief Constable Paul West explained: "The force's new operating model will allow us to continue to deliver a high quality policing service throughout West Mercia."

For the full story see tomorrow's Worcester News