THE government reacted quickly this week after West Mercia Police went to the High Court to oppose plans for the creation of a "superforce" in the West Midlands.

Just two working days after the force began their challenge for a judicial review of the government's plan in the courts, the chief constables of the four police authorities which would be affected met police minister Tony McNulty.

The meeting followed an announcement by Home Secretary Dr John Reid that he would slow down the merger process begun by his predecessor Charles Clarke in the hope of reaching an agreement.

The plan envisages the merger of West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire and Staffordshire in a regional "strategic" force. Since it was announced, West Mercia has shown the stiffest opposition to it.

Paul Deneen, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, accused the government of failing to listen to its officers.

"The former Home Secretary Charles Clarke last autumn allowed only a three-month period in order to plan for a proposed 30-year structural change in policing.

"It is wholly unrealistic, unnecessary and unacceptable to expect this rushed and untested model of policing to be forced upon the communities of West Mercia."

Mr Deneen said the authority had received a letter from the Home Office last week responding to its demand for an explanation about the decision it had taken to reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from 43 to 24 by April 2008.

"We have studied the response from the Home Office in detail and are disappointed with its contents and the lack of real information.

"As a result we feel we have no alternative but to start proceedings for a judicial review.

"There are only a few weeks left before a final decision is made about the future of West Mercia Constabulary and we hope that the judicial review will allow a full and thorough examination of the process behind the merger proposals."

Paul West, West Mercia chief constable, said the force was not opposed to change but wanted an opportunity to explore alternative models of restructuring.

He said: "Together with the Police Authority I am very reluctant to take this step towards seeking a legal remedy."

Last week's submissions in the applications court, seeking leave for a judicial review, are expected to be ruled upon within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire chief constable Dr Tim Brain said this week that the county council's decision to spend £1.9m to fund an additional 63 police community support officers reinforced his belief that his force should not be merged into a South West superforce.