A DIVISIONAL commander has spoken of his concerns after Lancashire Constabulary was forced into cutting its overtime bill to meet government targets.

Chief Superintendent John Thompson, head of the Eastern Division, covering Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, said the move may take away flexibility in deploying officers.

Lancashire Constabulary will have £16 million to spend on overtime for its 3,000 plus officers between 2003 and 2006, which works out at just over £5 million a year. However, this financial year's overtime bill is expected to hit £8.2 million.

The government proposals form part of police reform plans and should cut £45million from its annual overtime bill.

Mr Thompson, due to retire at the end of this month after more than 31 years in police forces, said: "If the government have set a target, then we will strive to achieve it. My personal view is overtime has allowed operational managers a level of flexibility.

"It's useful to have your most skilled officers available in excess of their 40-hour working week.

"It does concern me and it will create difficulties. While I accept the money saved by reducing overtime will allow the force to recruit more officers, it will be some time before those officers have the skills of the most experienced."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has already branded the cuts a 'Robbers' Charter' because he believes it will lead to less bobbies on the streets.

Police chiefs across the country were also against the proposals, originally announced last year. However, this opposition was quelled when the government agreed with the Police Federation to give annual bonus payments between £500 and £3,000 to certain officers.

The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, said the overtime cuts were welcome because they reduce demands on individuals.