����ý

Nine police stations in Staffordshire could close as the county's force looks at ways of saving money.

Staffordshire Police has said the stations will not close until an alternative base for staff has been found.

Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said a number of smaller police posts could also be affected.

He said the force was facing an "unprecedented financial challenge" and was expecting to cut 300 jobs.

The 300 jobs are expected to be on top of 280 job cuts already made.

Alternative bases

Mr Cunningham said the force and the police authority were holding consultations to find more suitable locations for staff to work from. This could include sharing buildings or moving into schools, church halls, libraries and shops.

The nine stations which could close are Uttoxeter, Lichfield, Rugeley, Wombourne, Stone, Kidsgrove, Newcastle, Burlsem and Stoke.

Proposals are also being considered for response teams to be briefed at fewer locations.

Mr Cunningham, along with police authority chairman David Pearsall, issued a statement saying any final decisions had not been made.

"We will not close any stations until alternative bases are found within a particular locality," he said.

"Whilst we face an unprecedented financial challenge we are looking at new ways of retaining our frontline officers to meet the needs of our communities."