Proposal for new police force turned down by neighbours

Warwickshire Police Authority chief executive Oliver Winters raised the idea in a response to a Government consultation paper policing in the 21st century.

Reporting to the authority’s September meeting, he said that while the paper makes clear mergers will not be imposed, there may be a case for creating a new force. Mr Winters argues this would be quicker and cheaper and enable police to track criminals across the area.

But West Midlands Police Authority, which covers Coventry, said it had not been consulted. A spokesman said: “We are aware of the challenges faced by Warwickshire, even ahead of the those we will all be facing as a consequence of the Comprehensive Spending Review later this autumn. We would welcome discussion with them about options for the future but could not support any proposal which would see any metropolitan districts moving from the West Midlands force area.”