WEST Mercia and Warwickshire police have until December to come up with recommendations in a nationwide shake-up of police forces ordered by the Government.

Police chiefs met the Home Secretary on Monday and are now beginning a strategy involving public consultation.

It is expected to last until Christmas.

West Mercia force, which covers Redditch, and the Warwickshire force, which covers the Alcester area, could merge - but not necessarily with one another.

The rumours follow an announcement by Home Secretary Charles Clarke in May that forces should contain a minimum of 4,000 officers.

Currently, West Mercia covers the largest area in the UK, policing Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire.

It has 2,400 police officers on the payroll.

Warwickshire, the smallest force in the country outside of London, has even less, with about 1,000 officers.

Yesterday, West Mercia Police Authority chairman Paul Deneen and Warwickshire Chief Constable John Burbeck were optimistic about possible force changes.

Mr Deneen said: "Any change will be police led."

Mr Burbeck said: "The future consists of strong neighbourhood policing teams working within basic common units."