THERE is no doubt that the role of the British policeman has changed out of all recognition in recent times.

Within a generation, the thin blue line has been drastically stretched to cope with a worrying escalation of gun crime and the threat of global terrorism.

The old music hall refrain told of a policeman's lot not being a happy one. In fact, for today's bobby, his lot is a much more technical one.

And this is why this newspaper gives a cautious welcome to the proposed West Mercia merger with a neighbouring force. But with reservations.

We are under no illusion that this Government is being driven by its obession with regionalisation. The same processes are currently underway in the ambulance and fire services.

However, there is no doubt that the hi-tech revolution has changed every aspect of our lives. We must embrace change.

But would centralisation lead to a better service? Could it mean fewer pen-pushers and more police at grassroots level?

And will any marriage cause a chief constable or two to start looking at the job adverts?

Britain's police must not become a remote security force along the lines of some of our continental cousins.

Yes, we're worried about terrorism. But it's low-level stuff such as vandalism and burglaries that really concern most people.

Whatever transpires, we don't want a remote, self-perpetuating monolith. We'll be watching closely in the months ahead.