POLICE chiefs in West Yorkshire are bracing themselves for more stringent spending cuts which could see a dwindling workforce slashed even more.

The number of police officers and staff in West Yorkshire has been reduced by almost 1,750 in the last four years to meet Home Office budget cuts, and £37 million has still to be shaved off spending over the next two years.

But the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Sir Hugh Orde, has now warned that further Home Office cuts are expected after next year's General Election which could result nationally in the loss of 34,000 police jobs - one in six officers.

His estimates are based on grant reductions recommended by the police watchdog, the Inspectorate of Constabulary. But it is feared the cuts could go even deeper.

West Yorkshire Police Federation chairman Nick Smart said it was a bleak picture for the police service.

He said: "The thin blue line is already anorexic. If Sir Hugh's forecast is right it doesn't bode well for policing. What sort of service can we realistically deliver if there are more cuts of 20 per cent.

"Potentially, by 2020 we could have lost 40 per cent of our numbers since 2010. It will inevitably mean fewer officers. You have to ask whether that is feasible. It brings into question what policing is going to look like in five years."

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson admitted the force would have to consider unpalatable decisions about the numbers of officers and staff.

He said: "There are some fundamental questions that need to be addressed. We are doing everything we can. Our priority is for public and community safety. But I think huge risks are going to be taken with frontline visibility."

West Yorkshire Police's Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, John Robins said: “The Force is undergoing the most significant change programme in its history and we have to alter the way we work in order to continue to meet the needs of our communities, with less money and less resources.

“We have 1,742 fewer officers and staff than we did in 2010, however, our emphasis still remains on providing frontline services with partners in order to protect the most vulnerable within our communities.

“The 2010 Government Comprehensive Spending Review required all forces to make significant savings to their budgets and we must deliver £160 million between 2010 and 2017.

“Although huge savings have already been made and future plans identified, £37 million still needs to be found over the next two years.

“Our focus continues to be to transform the force in order to make the public safe and feel safe.”