Extra Time for Police Merger Plans

12.03.18pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 21st Jun 2006

The Government announcement to delay the proposed merger of police forces in the SW has been welcomed by Devon and Cornwall's Liberal Democrat MPs. While the MPs are concerned that John Reid believes mergers are still "the right way" forward, they will use the extra time to press the case for a single, stand alone force, for Devon and Cornwall.

The Government's controversial shake-up plans of Police Forces in the region have been opposed by the County's MPs from the start, amid concerns that they could have a negative impact on community policing. With a possible increase in the region's Council Tax bills by £30 a year to pay for the merger, local people are worried that the new system will have little, if any, benefits to offer them on the current system of policing in the South West, despite costing them more money.

The Home Secretary has stated that he will continue discussions with the community and that no strategic forces will come into existence on 1st April 2007. Cornwall's MPs will continue to raise their objections to a merging of the force and will write to John Reid to once again highlight their concerns.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"Whilst I am pleased that the mergers have been put on hold, it is clear that the threat to the region's police force still exists. We must use this extra time to press our concerns and ensure that the Home Secretary understands the reasons why the merging of the Police Force would not be in Cornwall's best interests. "

Dan Rogerson MP added:

"A local force is best placed to meet local needs - especially when Devon and Cornwall Constabulary covers a large rural area with a dispersed population. If the South West forces are merged, community policing will suffer as Cornwall's needs will not be fully addressed."