MEMBERS of the police authority that covers Wyre Forest have unanimously rejected Government proposals to merge it with three other forces in the West Midlands.

Members of West Mercia Police Authority pledged their commitment to keeping their independence and pressing for an enhanced strategic service, including plans for extra funding and officers.

Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, described the move to merge the force with its counterparts in Stafford-shire, Warwickshire and West Midlands as "only one acceptable option" in the House of Commons last week.

West Mercia Authority chairman, Paul Deneen, said Mr Clarke was "rushing ahead with an untested model" and expressed support for a local referendum about the issue.

Mr Deneen explained: "As custodians of a top performing police force and as chair of the authority I have huge concerns about the impact upon performance delivery, disruption and distraction that any possible merger would cause.

"Taking into account the clear investment plans we intend to deliver on behalf of our communities, I am satisfied the proposed West Mercia strategic police service would be big enough to deliver and small enough to care."

Mr Deneen added setting up the merger was expected to cost £52 million and the Government had offered £14 million over two years towards the costs.

The remainder would have to be met through the council tax.

West Mercia's Chief Constable, Paul West, said contemplating a merger while significant issues needed to be addressed would be "extremely unwise, to put it mildly".

The Government has told police authorities and forces they have until Friday next week to decide on a voluntary merger. The other three forces involved with the merger support the proposal.

The merger process will begin next month with a four-month consultation period.

The legislation is expected to come to Parliament before the summer recess.