A REPORT proposing a radical overhaul of police forces should not have a huge impact on West Mercia Constabulary, according to Worcester's Labour MP Mike Foster.

A 124-page review on policing by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Ronnie Flanagan claims the current level of police officers in England and Wales is not "sustainable" and recommends employing more civilian staff to do administration jobs.

It has raised fears that rural forces like West Mercia could see a cut in funding and fewer front-line officers.

Mr Foster said West Mercia was one of the most highly civilianised forces in the country.

"I think staffing levels in West Mercia will remain as they are or somewhat higher," he said.

"The whole idea of this is to put more police officers on the front line."

However Peter Luff, Conservative MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said he would be monitoring the situation closely and said he would be "appalled" if there were cuts.

"We are a rural low crime area and I want to keep it low crime," he said.

"We are already one of the worst-funded police authorities in the country, but if they were going to cut resources more it would really be a huge challenge."

West Mercia currently employs 2,487 police officers and 1,852 civilian staff.

Paul Deneen, chairman of West Mercia's Police Authority, said the authority was looking at the report and would give its response at its meeting on Tuesday, February 19.