WORCESTER MP Mike Foster has asked the speaker of the House of Commons for a debate on local police funding.

Police chiefs argue that West Mercia Constabulary is being short-changed and on Friday, Mr Foster met with the force's Chief Constable Paul West, chairman of the Police Authority Bob Forster, as well as other senior authority staff.

At the meeting, they discussed issues including the relative cost efficiency of the police, officers' performance on the streets, meeting set targets, and how to make Worcester a safer place.

Mr Foster said a debate in Parliament would allow for many of the points discussed at the meeting to be raised.

"Some are very technical in nature, but if they were to be changed they could result in a healthier cash flow for our local police," he said.

Mr Foster will be helping the police authority to draw up an argument to convince the Government for extra cash.

"We had a very productive meeting, focussing on the financial situation likely to face West Mercia in the next few years," he said.

"With changes due to the funding formula in a year's time, we examined what changes to the formula could benefit our local police.

"Various cash bids are about to be made to the Home Office for dedicated resources such as extra Community Support Officers."

West Mercia is presently bidding for an extra 35 CSOs to bring its numbers to a total of 100.

"It is important for senior police figures, like the chief constable, to know that local MPs are on their side," Mr Foster added.

"I hope that after two meetings in the last three weeks, West Mercia police know I am working with them to get the best for my constituents in Worcester."