THE axeing of a police force's 'iconic' mounted section represents just part of the drastic cuts to frontline policing, the Police Federation warned tonight (Tuesday, June 4).

Cleveland Police today announced its decision to disband its Mounted Section - saving £88,000 a year - with Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer describing it as "one of the hardest decisions" she has had to make in her time at the force.

The section includes five horses, two civilian members of staff, one Sergeant and six Police Constables based at Ormesby Hall, Middlesbrough, which costs a total of £521,000 a year to maintain.

Tonight (Tuesday, June 4) Steve Matthews, chairman of Cleveland Police Federation, described it as "very, very disappointing".

"It has obviously been an integral part of frontline policing for many many years," he said. "It has been a standard bearer for Cleveland Police. I understand we are under extreme financial pressures but it is such a shame for the people of Cleveland.

"It doesn't seem like a great deal of money to save but I think it is synonymous with the financial state of Cleveland Police at the moment. We have had to cut so hard, for so many years that operational policing is being affected.

"We have gone from 1,750 to 1,400 in recent years - that is a lot of police officers."

Ch Con Cheer said: “I want to make it clear that this is in no way a reflection on the Section itself. The police staff, police officers and horses have served the Cleveland Force with the utmost professionalism and commitment, and I am saddened to have to make this decision.

“All aspects of the organisation are under scrutiny, and we need to ensure that every service we provide is as efficient as possible and meets our policing priorities.

“Everyone will also be aware of the financial cuts that we have to make and the police officers we have had to lose to make those savings."

The police officers will be moved to frontline duties, the civilian posts lost and equipment, including the horsebox, will be sold. She said horses were being rehomed and the section disbanded by the end of the current financial year.

If horses are needed to help police large events in the future they will be brought in from other forces at a "small cost", Ch Con Cheer said. The decision has been passed to Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger to scrutinise.

Anyone with concerns or questions can email him on pcc@cleveland.pnn.police.uk.