POLICE MERGER TO BE PUSHED THROUGH

SUSSEX and Surrey police forces are being forced to merge.Member of the Sussex authority have opposed the plan being put forward by Home Secretary Charles Clarke.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2006, 18:20 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:53 BST

They wanted to retain the county's independence but to strengthen ties with neighbouring forces to fight serious crime, terrorism and other cross-county border issues.

But today (April 11) Mr Clarke said he intends to push through the merger plan.

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"I am accordingly today giving written notice to all the police authorities, local authorities and chief constables in the affected areas of my intention to merge the above police force areas, setting out my reasons for proposing the merger and specifying the general nature of the provisions to be made. In accordance with sections 32 and 33 of the Police Act 1996 these police authorities, local authorities and chief constables now have until 11 August 2006 to submit any objections to the proposed mergers.

"I will carefully consider any objections received. My officials will continue to work closely with these areas and also address implementation issues. Subject to that consideration I would propose to lay the necessary draft orders for approval by both Houses in the Autumn with the new forces coming into being from 1 April 2008."

Related topics:SussexSurrey