THE future of frontline policing in Worcestershire remains unclear without more government input, the chief constable has said.

Paul West of West Mercia Police told county councillors he couldn’t give “a cast-iron guarantee” on whether local policing teams would stay as they currently are because more funding detail was awaited from the Government’s comprehensive spending review.

He told councillors that there were no proposals yet to force officers with 30 or more years service to retire, but said it was likely to be considered as a cost cutting measure after December when details are unveiled.

Responding to a question from Councillor Juliet Brunner on the future of local policing teams he said: “As much as I want to give you a cast-iron guarantee on that, I can’t.”

Councillor Richard Udall asked if proposed cuts would hit community support officer (CSO) numbers. Mr West, speaking at County Hall said: “The funding that provides CSOs is ring-fenced at the moment but we await more details of the spending review.”