CHESHIRE’S police boss has announced 70 staff are to lose their jobs as part of ongoing budget cuts.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said a consultation will be carried out to decide which positions are lost.

Police ‘staff’ refers to anyone who is not an officer, including CSOs.

Mr Dwyer also said 50 police officers will be recruited over the coming year.

However, recruitment will take place in line with the ‘managed reduction of officers through retirement and leavers’, meaning the force will be reduced by 56 officers, to 1900, by March next year.

Mr Dwyer said he is faced with making savings of £9.7 million over the next year, and £34 million over the next four years.

He added savings are being made elsewhere of £1.4 million by reviewing procurement contracts.

The total budget for Cheshire Police in 2014/15 will be £189.8 million.