West Mercia Police Authority has decided on a "go it alone" strategy with an enhanced force instead of any amalgamation to meet Government targets.

At a press conference last Tuesday, the authority announced its recommendation for a ''strategic'' West Mercia Police Service to Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

Authority chairman Paul Deneen said plans to further enhance the performance of West Mercia rather than join with Warwickshire or be absorbed in a West Midlands region would be the most effective and efficient manner in which to invest in local policing services for the future.

The authority's response to the Government will include an outline plan which would see £2.9 million out of its own budget going to recruit more officers and staff to combat serious and organised crime and major incidents.

Mr Deneen said: "It is our view and the public's that a West Mercia Police Service with added investment is the best way to deliver policing in the years to come.

"The money to invest in additional officers and staff is available now and we have provided solid evidence to the Government that we can close any gaps in current policing services.

"We are also confident that by reconfiguring existing budgets, utilising efficiency savings and through the use of reserves and prudent borrowing we can enhance capability in protective services without increasing council tax precepts.

Chief Constable Paul West said: "Consolidating West Mercia's position as a strategic police force does not for one minute mean that we will cease to participate in cross-border, regional, national and international police work.

"I am confident, if given approval by the Home Office, we can deliver the improvements and increased capacity the Home Secretary requires from April 2006 onwards.''

The authority's final report will be submitted on December 23 to the Home Office, which is expected to announce its response early next year.