A POLICE force which could lose 210 frontline officers over the next four years because of funding cuts is to discuss its finances next week.

North Yorkshire Police are also preparing to lose 350 support staff – one in four of its civilian workers – to help balance the budget.

The force is looking to save £8.9m in 2011-12.

North Yorkshire Police Authority has approved pension regulation A19, which allows it to make long-serving officers take compulsory retirement.

It has also asked officers to consider voluntary redundancy.

Of the 210 officers affected, 105 are constables, 58 are sergeants, 33 are inspectors, seven are chief inspectors, four are superintendents and three are chief superintendents.

But the force has stressed this is a worse-case scenario and that all 210 officers may not leave at once.

A spokesman said all those who would go were nearing the end of 30 years of active service, so were expecting to retire.

Bill Baugh, vice-chairman of the police authority, said: “The plans are not fully developed, but there is no threat to frontline services.

“It’s due to a lack of Government funding which has affected everyone and we have to work within this.”

A long-range forecast projects that the force will need to save just over £2m in 2012-13, £9.4m in 2013-14 and £13.18m the year after.

The matter is to be discussed at a budget meeting of the authority on Monday.