Police numbers in Hounslow have been slashed to cover the cost of training hundreds of new recruits.

The borough has lost 20 cops from its force of more than 500 due to a Met-wide budget crunch, described by borough commander David Bilson as a 'nuisance' at Monday's meeting of the Community Police Consultative Group.

However, he insisted the number of police patrolling the streets would not be affected.

"The loss has been substantial from our investigation casework department but I haven't cut patrol teams or neighbourhood teams," he said.

"This has made an impact but it's something all boroughs in London have had to deal with and hopefully we're over that now."

Every London borough was asked to help make up the Met's shortfall in funding for training new recruits, about 600 of whom are learning the trade at any one time.

Andy Atkinson, chairman of Hounslow Residents Group, said he wasconcerned about the number of cops patrolling the streets on Friday andSaturday nights.

Chief Superintendent Bilson has promised to increase police numbers inFeltham and Hanworth at peak times following a wave of violent attacks - but he admitted the existing team of 26 night duty officers across the borough was 'spreading it a bit thin'.

"I've got a great team of men and women out there 24 hours a day but ona busy Friday or Saturday night they're working flat out," he said.

Hounslow still has more than 500 police officers and about 100 PCSOs, along with 90 general staff, 40 special constables and about 50 other volunteers.

Responding to Mr Atkinson's concerns about the size of the borough's fleet, Ch Supt Bilson said he had about 22 normal cars available, plus 13 unmarked cars and vans.