RADICAL plans to reform Britain's police service will make it harder than ever to recruit new officers to patrol the streets of Hampshire, it was claimed today.

Hampshire Police Federation fears the proposed government shake-up will result in even fewer applicants to the force, which desperately needs to find more than 400 recruits by the end of next year.

Home Secretary David Blunkett's White Paper published yesterday proposes drastic changes in police pay - with cuts to overtime, allowances and expenses. Also unveiled are controversial plans to give police-style powers to civilians in the hope of providing a "modern, high-performing" service.

Alan Gordon, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, which represents the county's 3,500 rank and file officers, said: "We welcome the suggestion of increasing the number of police officers across the country to 130,000.

"However, there is a degree of hypocrisy as the Home Secretary has made this announcement on the same day as publishing proposals for changes in police pay and working practices.

"Our concern is he is making the job far less attractive, which will do nothing to ease the current recruitment crisis."

Sgt Gordon said the federation remained "totally opposed" to the concept of neighbourhood wardens and private security officers, preferring instead the use of more properly trained, resourced and equipped Special constables.

Chief Constable Paul Kern-aghan declined to comment until more detailed proposals had been published.

But he pledged: "Once clear proposals emerge, I will seek to influence the debate to the advantage of local officers. I would like to see a regional recruitment and retention allowance. Any package which does not address the problem of regional cost of living disparities will be flawed."