THE police have asked the public for their views on the shake-up of the force.

West Mercia Police Authority is urging people to complete a questionnaire and voice their opinions on the changes that could be made to West Mercia Constabulary.

One of the options short-listed is that West Mercia will be swallowed up in the region's other forces to become the strategic regional force. It would be a super-sized force with about 21,000 staff. It currently has 4,000 - and will be run from Birmingham.

The other possibility is that it will continue to stand alone and become the West Mercia Strategic Police Service.

This will require an increase in investment but retain the identity and the geographical boundaries.

Paul Deneen, chairman of the police authority, said: "We are determined to ensure that local people benefit from any change that is introduced.

"We want to hear local people's views and our site provides information on the restructuring process as well as the options being considered. I would encourage everyone to have their say in the coming weeks."

There will be a police authority meeting on Tuesday, November 29, and it will make a final decision on its preferred restructure on Tuesday, December 13.

All views should reach them before Saturday, December 10. The questionnaire is online at www. westmerciapoliceauthority.gov.uk