A FLURRY of leaflets sent out this month is West Mercia Police's next step in the fight against a merger with neighbouring forces.

The force is delivering half a million leaflets to households across its area.

The move is hoped to encourage people to write to their MP to object to the proposal.

The leaflets sent will be specific to residents' areas, highlighting contact points and information about their police force.

West Mercia Police Authority chair Paul Deneen said: "We believe working with our communities is at the heart of effective policing.

"We hope these leaflets will enlighten our communities about the good work that is being done across West Mercia in partnership with other local agencies, and demonstrates our commitment to providing an effective and efficient policing service throughout our entire force area."

He said consultation on a merger had received overwhelming support for the preferred option of a West Mercia Strategic Police Service.

Mr Deneen added: "As the period for Home Office consultation on the proposal is drawing to an end it is now more important than ever that MPs and the Home Office are made fully aware through their mailboxes of the strength of feeling among our communities, before a final decision is made by the new Home Secretary.

"We all still have time to influence the final decision."