FIVE Safer Neighbourhoods Police Sergeants are being cut in Barnet as part of plans to reduce costs for the force.

However, the number of PCs and PCSOs on each of the teams will remain the same as they are now, with some sergeants instead being asked to run two teams.

The teams, which are larger in Barnet than most other boroughs, will remain dedicated to their individual wards.

Under the plans, which are due to be considered by the Metropolitan Police Authority next week, neighbourhood officers will also be used more flexibly, across different wards and boroughs.

Each ward will retain at least one PC and PCSO when this happens as a permanent uniformed presence.

Reducing anti-social behaviour and crime will also be the explicit objectives of every team in the capital, on top of priorities set by ward panels.

The new plans are expected to save £15m.