AS REPORTED previously in the Argus, Gwent Police is facing cuts of more than £24 million over the next four years.

While the official figure is £22 million, the force has to allow a ten per cent cushion for any alterations in costs so in reality the figure is £24.6 million.

The force is due to save £3 million in this financial year, which follows savings of around £7.6 million in 2010/11.

In an interview with the Argus at the start of her tenure as chief constable on April 1, Carmel Napier said she would do everything she could to protect front-line officers.

Money-saving schemes already introduced include sharing a legal service with South Wales Police.

Premises sharing with councils and other authorities are areas being looked into to ease running costs for all concerned. IT services could also be split between police and local authorities.

Pay reviews will be made across the force and the force could look at using its reserves to fund capital projects.

It hopes to save £6 million over the next 20 years with a possiblemove fromthe police HQ in Croesyceiliog to a new site.

Refurbishing the 30-yearold building would cost around £26.3 million over the next two decades, whereas plans to move to a new head office would cost in the region of £20.2 million – saving more than £6 million.