COUNCILLORS in Worcestershire unanimously gave their support to police hoping to retain a smaller, local force rather than join a West Midland super-force.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Paul West addressed the full county council at a meeting on Thursday and ran through the two likely options for the future.

The first would see a West Mercia Strategic Police Service which, he said, would cover a similar geographical area and maintain the present 'culture and style' of policing.

The alternative would see it incorporated with Warwickshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands forces as a much larger unit, which could lead to greater efficiency.

Councillors all supported the former plan, to allow West Mercia to continue acting alone.

Coun Peter McDonald said: "We have the best police service in the country.

"It's cost us a few bob but they have delivered. I can see no reason whatsoever to amalgamate."

Coun Bill Hartnett added: "Sir Ian Blair asked us what we wanted. It's quite clear we want to retain West Mercia Police."

The popular, smaller proposal should lead to more investment and an enhanced service, which is already rated as one of the best in the country.

The second, super-force model has more complex pros and cons.

If the four areas combined, there may be a levelling down effect in the precept.

However, this model raised concerns over a possible resource drain to Birmingham and Wolverhampton, as most of the officers and money would go to the areas of highest crime.

The talk was part of Chief Constable Paul West's attempts to consult with local people before sending his preferred plans to the Government.

The force has to submit its preliminary ideas by the end of this month before sending its final proposals by Friday, December 23.