West Mercia Police have taken the unprecedented step of taking a full-page advertisement in today's Worcester News (page 15) encouraging people to express their views on the future of policing.

Themed "You have the right to remain silent... please don't" the adverts mark the start of a critical stage of public consultation relating to the restructuring of the police service throughout England and Wales. People have until Sunday to say how they would like their community to be policed in the future.

The restructuring exercise has been proposed by the Home Secretary Charles Clarke. The Home Office believes larger forces are better placed to respond to major incidents, serious and organised crime, public disorder and counter terrorism while maintaining a strong and responsive local policing service.

There are two short-listed restructuring options being actively explored by West Mercia Constabulary and the police authority:

l An enhanced West Mercia Constabulary policing Here-fordshire, Shropshire, Tel-ford & Wrekin and Worc-estershire. This option would retain the force's current identity and geography and would build upon its existing structure.

l A new regional force combining Staffordshire, War-wickshire, West Mercia and West Midlands Police. This option would amalgamate four existing forces to create a new organisation whose boundary would match the government region.

Paul Deneen, chairman of the West Mercia Police Authority said: "The citizens of West Mercia have a unique opportunity to help shape the way in which their communities will be policed in the future. I would urge everyone to take this opportunity to make their voice heard and register their view.

Taking into account the views expressed during this consultation exercise, the police authority must identify its preferred restructuring option by the end of November.

In December, a final report will be sent to the Home Secretary outlining in detail the case for the option that has been chosen.

All the details regarding the pros and cons of the two options can be found on the police authority's website - www.westmerciapoliceauthority.gov.uk

The police authority has also established a special telephone number to call - 0800 854 591 - to enable local people to discover more information and to express their views.

All calls are free. The line will open at noon today and will remain open every day from 8am - 10pm. Lines will remain open until Sunday.

Views can also be expr-essed by completing a brief on-line survey on the police authority's website.