REDBRIDGE’S police chief has pledged that he will aim to protect front line services from any cuts heading our way.

Speaking at a question and answer session held by Redbridge Chamber of Commerce last night Borough Commander Chief Supt Peter Terry admitted he was facing cuts of between 20 and 40 per cent, but said it gave him an opportunity to review the way the service was run.

“We need to concentrate on the front line,” he told the meeting at the Kenneth More Theatre, Oakfield Road, Ilford. “If that means I have to reduce the hours of a front counter somewhere, or have to reduce the amount of overtime my staff do then so be it.

“The aim is to maintain front line visible policing because that’s what people pay for.”

Mr Terry was responding to a question from chamber members about the effects any cuts would have on Redbridge policing, especially with the increased police presence in Ilford town centre making a “huge difference”.

The panel for the meeting billed as Your Questions, Your Business and chaired by Recorder editor Chris Carter also comprised of Redbridge Council chief planning and regeneration officer Chris Berry, and council highways and engineering service chief officer Dave Renvoize.

CROSSRAIL GIVES REDBRIDGE A HUGE POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT: More on the meeting later.