Liberal Democrats attack Police Force Merger proposals (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats attack Police Force Merger proposals

November 21, 2005 7:10 PM

Cllr Geoffrey Sell, a member of the Braintree & Uttlesford Police and Community Consultative Group, has criticised Home Office proposals for merging Essex Police with neighbouring police forces. Three possible merger options are being considered: a merger of all six counties in the East of England (Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire); an East/West split putting Essex with Suffolk and Norfolk; or a North/South split, putting Essex with Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

The Home Office propose merging Essex Police with neighbouring Police forces

Cllr Sell commented: "These proposals mean that police authorities will be even less under local control and so even less responsive to local needs."

"This is part of a worrying trend, as seen with Primary Care Trusts, where Central Government has decided big is beautiful and pays lip service to local needs and wishes. For Uttlesford residents key decision makers will become less accessible."

Cllr Mark Gayler, leader of Uttlesford District Council added: "What we need is more and better local policing. We will support moves to provide more visible policing in our towns and villages. But if the Essex Police Force is merged with other counties in the region then they will be less likely to be listen to local opinion. Our police force should be accountable to local people. We will oppose the merger plans and fight to retain our county Police Authority"

"The Liberal Democrats," Cllr Sell added, "believe that with over one million residents and an international port and airport Essex needs and deserves its own police force."