The Liberal Democrats at county hall have today confirmed that they will renew their opposition to the proposed merger between Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Police, in the light of the recent joint report between the Audit Commission and HM INspector of Constabulary.

Ron Tindall, a member of Herts Police Authority, said: ‘Herts constabulary has failed to make a convincing case for a merger with Beds – a county which has different policing needs, especially in relation to Luton and Luton airport.

‘This week’s report shows clearly that the proposals to merge were based on a set of false premises – namely that the only way to drive out costs was to be in the same organisation. A huge amount can be achieved by more efficient working, and integrating operations between the two forces and with their local authorities.

‘There is no support for merger in the report. There should be no support here either.’

Malcolm Cowan added: ‘The police should now move on and get with fighting crime and reducing their costs.’