WEST MERCIA’S Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Home Secretary to not ignore thousands of the force’s residents.

The government is currently carrying out an Independent Review of Police Force Structures having confirmed its intention to merge the current 43 forces across England and Wales into larger forces as part of reforms.

The proposals put forward could see 43 forces reducing to as few as 12 regional forces.

After months of silence, Commissioner John Campion has requested that Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary should respond to the concerns raised by thousands of residents on police force merger proposals.

More than 3,300 people from across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire took part in the commissioner recent public consultation.

The findings, which showed significant concern about the proposals, were submitted to the Home Secretary in June and not even an acknowledgement has been received by the commissioner’s office.

Mr Campion’s frustration comes as the Government continues to push ahead with its wider public sector reform agenda, including the plans to overhaul policing, with no consideration of public opinion.

Commissioner Campion said: “More than 3,300 local people took the time to share their views because they care about the future of policing in their communities. They deserve better than being met with silence.

“These proposals would fundamentally change local policing, yet months after I submitted the consultation findings there has been no response from the Home Secretary.

“That raises serious questions about how much value the Government places on public opinion.

“I don’t expect the summer recess to be an excuse because, if the Government are determined to press ahead with the biggest restructuring of policing in a generation, they should at least have the courtesy to respond to the communities who will live with the consequences.”