THE organisation which represents rank and file police officers has raised concerns the 'strategic alliance' between Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire Constabularies will lead to cuts in staffing.

The two forces announced the collaboration today, but they insist it is not a merger. 

Kevin Phillips, chairman of Avon and Somerset Police Federation, said: “As a Federation we have been expecting this to happen for a long time.

“There was talk of it back in 2005 and 2006.

“It will save money and we all know that is something that we are being required to do.

“My concern is, is this going to cost us in terms of the number of police staff and police officers?

“If we go into a collaboration it is to effectively cut down and save money.

“I think that it will mean a cut in the number of police staff and officers.

“The announcement has been made but it remains to be seen exactly what this means for the future.

“I think that regionalisation of our police forces is likely to happen in the future.”