Stability the key for shrinking force

Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell said swift action was needed as the force had to save between £9m and £11m next year, with the black hole expected to widen to more than £19m by 2015. “We can make the cuts year on year on year on year, or we can restructure in one fell swoop next year, ” he said. “We need to get the organisation as stable as we can.

Plans under consideration include the closure of its northern control room at Newby Wiske, with the loss of up to 100 jobs.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, meanwhile, is looking to save £1m a year, but hopes to do so without major job losses.

However, its savings plan does involve a controversial scheme to replace its base in York with a new, smaller fire station.

A spokesperson said: “We will make every effort to ensure front- line services are not affected. This involves looking at expenditure on buildings, equipment and central services.”