Paying out more for less (From Warrington Guardian)

Paying out more for less

A POLICE merger with Merseyside has been unanimously rejected.

Cheshire Police Authority officially objected to the radical proposal to join with the Liverpool-based force during a meeting at police headquarters on Tuesday.

The opposition means Home Secretary Charles Clarke must now begin the parliamentary process to enforce it.

The resounding 'no' came as major financial questions remain unresolved over the £30 million merger.

Clr Paul Findlow, authority member, said: "What a farce, how deplorable.

"It's all part of the Government's bigger picture to regionalise everything, it's dictatorial for police."

The gap between council tax precept levels was a serious concern - at present Cheshire is second lowest in the country at £102.60 while Merseyside is £115.68.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said the merger has 'serious implications' and requested that the Government provides sufficient funding for the upheaval.

He added: "There are some benefits but because of higher levels of incidents in terms of volume and seriousness in Merseyside, the greater capacity of officers could be sucked into that area."

But the authority was forced to make the decision after the Home Secretary set a tight deadline for this Friday.

The Government is hoping to push the merger through by November.

Clr Peter Nurse, chairman of Cheshire Police Authority, said: "Persevere and you will succeed, that what we must do.

"If this merger is to happen we need a better deal for Cheshire, Warrington and Halton residents."

Made up of 17 people, including nine councillors, three magistrates and five members of the public, the police authority is responsible for setting the budget.

Deputy chairman, Clr Peter Walker, said: "The people we represent will be paying more or the same for a worse service."

With higher crime figures in Liverpool and its neighbouring areas, Cheshire police chiefs fear the amalgamation will draw officers out of Cheshire.

Brendan Doyle, committee member said: "We are two different cultures in terms of policing and people. Basically, residents will be paying more and getting less."

beckykelly@guardiangrp.co.uk