Police merger delay

From the archive, first published Wednesday 1st Mar 2006.

PLANS to merge Warwickshire Police with neighbouring constabularies into a single force have been put on hold.

The county police authority decided against requesting the voluntary move following a meeting with the Home Secretary. Charles Clarke had asked for the four police forces in the West Midlands to consider asking for a voluntary merger in the region by the deadline of February 24.

The authority did seek assurances from Mr Clarke about finance and the link between the larger force and communities.

But the authority has stressed it is still strongly committed to the creation of a new single regional strategic force and both the chairman and Chief Constable believe merger will benefit the region.

Police authority chairman Philip Blundell said they and the force would continue to work closely with neighbouring forces and authorities.

He said: "I'm pleased decisions have been taken that move this onwards. We look forward to playing our role in ensuring the needs and rights of the people of Warwickshire are protected and developed in the new bigger set-up."

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