More job losses are on the horizon for Wiltshire Police as savings are sought in every area, to protect its frontline operations.

The force has announced talks are under way to share support functions and specialist resources with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Government grants will be cut by more than £10m over three years, on top of £15m of savings already made by Wiltshire Police.

On Monday, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson, said all aspects of policing – except neighbourhood police and response units – would be on the table for discussion.

He said: “This is not about merging forces, but working together to protect frontline neighbourhood policing and response teams, which are so important to us.

“For a long time, we have worked with Avon and Somerset in respect of serious crime and more recently with roads policing and firearms capability.

“We feel the relationships between the senior management teams are mature enough to take this forward and we will look at further opportunities to work together on a broader scale.

“We will ensure policing of an everyday nature is offered locally, based locally, and run locally.”

A consultation on raising the police share of the council tax by £3 a year – to bring in £345,000 of the £3.26m shortfall next year – has already started.

Mr Macpherson said job losses would be from backroom staff and support for neighbourhood officers, including HR, finance and training, which could be shared with Avon and Somerset.

He added: “There will be further job losses, that is inevitable when you have to take £10m out of your budget.”

Mike White, chairman of the Wiltshire Police Federation, said: “We can only hope that this is a long-standing alliance and not the first step towards the disappearance of a historic and proud police force.”