Thames Valley Police's new Chief Constable said the biggest challenge his force is facing is keeping the necessary staffing levels in the face of budget cuts.

Francis Habgood said delivering services in spite of anticipated cuts to force finances is his key priority, having taken over in the role from Sara Thornton at the start of the month.

He told the Bucks Free Press: "There's a challenge around finances. Whatever happens in the election next month, we know the policing budget will continue to be reduced - we don't know how much by. Delivering the services is going to be really critical.

"If we've got fewer people in policing, we need to make sure we invest in those people - fewer but more capable people who have the right equipment to deliver services.

"The use of technology, and how we can use that more effectively in the future so it's easier for staff to do their job but also easier for members of the public to have access, is something people have spoken about.

"Our first challenge is maintaining that and seeking to improve and maintain levels.

"Ask any commander and they will always say, yes I'd like more people. My priority is to make sure we deliver in the priority areas."

Ch Con Habgood was in High Wycombe this morning to speak to officers and find out more about policing in the area.

He said: "What was quite reassuring is the sorts of things they were talking about are the things I thought were priorities."

He added: "Wycombe has had some fantastic reductions in crime from previous years. It has gone down significantly in Wycombe in recent years. We have had some good investigations into serious criminality."