MP welcomes news that police force merger will not go ahead

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Jul 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has welcomed today's news that the merger of Cumbria and Lancashire police is now unlikely to go ahead. The news follows a long campaign by Tim, and others, against merger.

Speaking following the announcement, Tim said: "I am delighted at the news that Cumbria's police force has been given a reprieve. As the police authority pointed out, there are a number of problems with merger, not least ensuring that Cumbria keeps its fair share of police resources. Given that the Government did not have a solution to these problems it is only right that they have stood back from the brink, and agreed to let Cumbria and Lancashire join the debate on the future of policing which is now taking place across the rest of the country.

"This decision is a victory for common sense, and for local people who campaigned against merger. I'd personally like to thank everybody who signed my petition to the Home Secretary earlier in the year."