SIR - We need to give both our local chief constable and the police authority our maximum support to ensure the Government doesn't roll our force into a pan-Midlands force that will be based in Birmingham. Such a force would have no understanding of the needs of all of us who live outside that city. We need local policing. Write in support to the Authority at West Mercia Police Authority, PO Box 487, Shrewsbury, SY26WB or police.authority@ westmercia.pnn.police.uk

MARK STARR,

Leigh Sinton.