THERE will be almost 300 extra police and staff in West Yorkshire in the coming year.

The news follows approval of the force's budget for 2005-2006.

West Yorkshire Police Authority yesterday agreed a £383m budget, a rise of more than £19m on last year.

The 4.9% rise means some households will pay an extra 10p per week, with others paying another 6p or 7p.

"We put a lot of work into lobbying local MPs and the Government for a fairer budget settlement from central funding this year and that has paid off," said authority chairman Clr Mark Burns- Williamson.

"I am confident this budget will significantly close the gap between police strength in West Yorkshire and in comparable areas of the country".

The authority approved a package including 223 extra police and staff, some working with the newly established Homicide and Major Enquiry team.

There will be up to 75 community support officers. Half their cost will be paid by other agencies and councils.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramp- horn said the force had proved what could be done with extra resources.

He added: "Between April, 2004, and January, 2005, house burglary in the county fell by 13,817 cases (46%) car crime by 23,389 (42%) and robbery by 1,876 (50%) compared with the same time the year before.

"In total, there were 104,000 fewer crimes. Also, our overall detection rate is up by 4.6%

"West Yorkshire still has fewer officers per head of population than similar forces.

"But this commitment to further growth and extra resources will enable the force to continue the positive action which has helped cut crime over the last year.

"We will also be using it to extend Neighbourhood Policing teams across the county and put more officers on the streets."