THE number of police officers on the beat in North Yorkshire could be cut unless tax-payers are prepared to meet escalating costs.

There are expected to be 1,420 officers serving in the county by the end of March - the highest number in the force's history - but a pensions crisis has left police chiefs facing a financial dilemma.

The pensions bill for retired officers has soared in recent years and North Yorkshire Police Authority says the only options to meet the funding shortfall would be reducing staff numbers or increasing the police precept, which forms part of council tax.

The public are being asked to air their views on the subject at a series of open meetings throughout the county later this month, when the authority's financial position will be explained.

In a statement, police authority members said: "This is no fault of the officers themselves, who deserve a good pension after a lifetime's service to our communities and who contribute 11 per cent of their earnings towards it.

"Next year's Government grant will not bridge all the gap. North Yorkshire Police Authority is reviewing all areas of expenditure for savings, but despite its best endeavours there will be a shortfall."

Authority member John Duggan insisted that any increase in council tax would be minimal.

"It will probably be the equivalent of half a pint of beer a week - which in anyone's terms is small change. It really is chicken feed.

"Whatever happens, there are still going to be bobbies on the beat and there are now more than ever," he said.

The council tax police precept for the average household is currently £62.59, well below the national average.

Public meetings will be held at the Friends' Meeting House, Scarborough, on Thursday, at 7.30pm; at Richmond Town Hall, on Monday, January 21, at 6pm; at Novotel, York, on Thursday, January 24, at 7.30pm; and County Hall, Northallerton, on Monday, January 28, at 5pm.