WYRE Forest's MP has likened the Government's decision to continue with controversial police merger plans to the stance it took over the downgrading of services at Kidderminster Hospital.

Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, has outlined proposals to merge the West Mercia force with the three others in the West Midlands.

Mr Clarke told the House of Commons the move was the "one acceptable option" following a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, which concluded forces of less than 4,000 officers were not sufficiently equipped to fight modern crime.

Dr Richard Taylor said he had written to the Home Secretary and stressed he was "desperately against" the plans.

He explained: "Once again, it is a decision by the majority against the minority because the three other forces want the merger. It is very similar to what happened at Kidderminster Hospital. Something has to be done when it comes down to these things because it is obvious it is not working.

"There is simply no logical argument that we should have 4,000 officers because 2,500 officers is inadequate. I shall be very sad if it does go but it looks almost certain that is what is going to happen."

West Mercia Police Authority had stressed to Westminster it was against any merger with other forces and wanted to keep its independence.

Following the results of public consultation, it submitted a business plan in December, which stated the way forward was extra investment and recruitment for the single force.

Last week, more than 50 MPs supported the force and signed an Early Day Motion calling on the Home Secretary to consider alternative options.

Mark Garnier, Conservative parliamentary spokesman for Wyre Forest, said he feared the move could take officers off the streets of Kidderminster to deal with problems elsewhere.

He added: "I am dead against it. The Home Secretary should listen to the force and support the excellent work they already do. It does a great job so I do not see any reason to change it."

A statement issued by West Mercia Police Authority stated members would be meeting representatives of the Staffordshire, Warwickshire and West Midlands forces to "determine their respective positions".