CHESHIRE Police is set to save £117,000 a year in a 'collaborative network' deal with the county's two councils.

The Public Services Network sees the Constabulary sharing a new communication network with Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester councils and other partner organisations. This network provides an opportunity for all of the agencies involved to develop new ways of working across the county.

Updata Infrastructure UK, have been chosen to provide the necessary technology to ensure that officers and staff will be able to access police systems in other buildings that are connected to the network.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said: "The new communication infrastructure will help to provide a more streamlined and flexible way of working not only for the Constabulary but for our partner agencies as well.

"In these times of austerity it’s vital that we can save money where we can, which we can then put to good use on the frontline, providing an efficient and effective police service."