News & Sport for Harwich & Manningtree, Leisure and local info From Harwich & Manningtree Standard

Essex: Police merger decision denied

From the archive, first published Monday 13th Mar 2006.

Essex Police could merge with surrounding forces, it has been revealed.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke is thought to be set to announce the decision - that would see Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire amalgamate - over the next few weeks.

The change would see just two large forces taking care of the eastern region, the other being a force created by the merger of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire forces.

In a joint statement issued to the Evening Gazette, Essex Police Chief Constable Roger Baker and chairman of the Police Authority, Robert Chambers said: "We have taken careful note of the recommendation to the Home Secretary but until we have received formal notification from the Home Secretary, we cannot comment further."

The Home Office denies a decision has ben made.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Monday, March 13, 2006

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette

Archive Home