The Liberal Democrats have pledged to put 10,000 extra police officers on the streets, topping the government's promise to improve neighbourhood policing.

Mark Oaten, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, said the extra officers would be funded by scrapping the government's identity cards scheme.

His comments came as the government set out how it will deliver its pledge to provide every community in the country with its own dedicated neighbourhood policing team by 2008.

Some £340 million is being made available by 2007/08 to fund 24,000 police community support officers who will support regular constables in tackling crime and disorder.

"Neighbourhood policing is not a soft option - it is a hard edged strategy that recognises the importance of visible, accessible, responsive and intelligence-led policing to combat all crime, from nuisance neighbours to drug dealers," said home secretary Charles Clarke.

"The government and the police service are absolutely committed to delivering effective neighbourhood policing.

"We have put the resources in place - we have record numbers of police officers supported by community support officers, and we are cutting paperwork to get officers back on the streets where they belong. 

"But it must be a partnership - only by working hand in hand with local communities can we ensure that the police do not just provide a service to the community, but are a respected and integral part of it."

Oaten insisted his party's plan would also allow for the 20,000 additional community support officers set out under Labour's plans.

"Highly visible community policing is a top priority for the Liberal Democrats," he said.

"The government's proposals build on some excellent local projects, but they only go so far

"We would fund 10,000 extra police officers over and above the government's commitment by scrapping the unnecessary and illiberal identity cards scheme."

He added: "It is shocking that the government admits that 12,000 officers are currently tied up with backroom bureaucracy. 

"We would cut that red tape and enable police to stay on patrol for longer by using the latest technology."