SWINDON Police will be forced to tighten their belts but reports that special constables would be patrolling the streets instead of fully-trained officers have been denied.

Overtime payments, which make up four per cent of Wiltshire Police’s paybill, will be targeted under Government proposals aiming to make £545m annual savings by 2014.

But Chief Supt Paul Howlett of Swindon Police said there was no truth in suggestions that specials and PCSOs would replace police officers on Friday and Saturday nights.

He said: “We already have a wide range of officers in the police family, including special constables and PCSOs, who make a valuable contribution.

“All are well trained and capable and you will regularly see them on a Friday and Saturday night.

“Just like everyone in the public sector it is vital we deliver value for money.

“We do not rely on overtime but as a 24/7 service it is something that can be necessary.”

Wiltshire Police ran up an overtime bill of £2.7m in 2007/8 - 4.1 per cent of its total pay, according to published figures.

Full story in tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser