Merger plan on agenda (From Warrington Guardian)

Merger plan on agenda

AN urgent meeting was held yesterday, Tuesday, as leading Cheshire police figures put their heads together to respond to a proposed merger with the Merseyside force.

As reported in the Guardian last week, Cheshire Police Authority chairman Peter Nurse condemned the suggestion by Home Secretary Charles Clarke that a collaboration with the neighbouring team was the most viable option for tackling serious crime and terrorism.

But Cheshire Constabulary officials were told they only had until this Friday to agree to the plans before a parliamentary process to enforce the move was launched.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy wants reassurance that Cheshire neighbourhood policing levels will be retained, merger costs will not fall on the Cheshire public and about Council tax, which is higher in Merseyside.